10 year old dog had all cancer cells removed in one surgery.

Cancer is a common disease in pets like dogs and cats, especially as they age. Surgery is a primary treatment method to remove tumors and control cancer spread. However, effective surgery must account for the surgical margin, which means removing a layer of healthy tissue around the tumor to ensure no cancer cells remain—minimizing recurrence risk.

What is a surgical margin?
It’s the normal tissue surrounding a tumor that’s excised during surgery, aiming to remove all malignant cells, including those that may have infiltrated adjacent tissues. Veterinarians typically remove 1–3 cm of healthy tissue around the tumor and down to appropriate depth (e.g. muscle or fascia), depending on the cancer type, severity, tumor location, and pet’s size.

Why it matters:
1. Reduces recurrence risk – ensuring no cancer cells are left behind.
2. Pathology confirmation – removed tissue is examined to confirm a “clean margin” (no cancer cells). If a “dirty margin” (cancer cells present) is found, further surgery or adjunctive therapy like radiation may be needed.
3. Treatment planning – tumor size and location guide margin decisions while preserving the pet’s quality of life.

Considerations:
- Removing too wide margins can impair function or sacrifice critical tissues.
- For tumors near bone or vital organs, special techniques or combined therapies (chemotherapy, radiation) may be necessary.

Case example: 10 year old dog with nasal cancer
A 10‑year‑old dog developed a rapidly growing mass on its nose. The owner brought it to Erawan Pet Hospital, where vet evaluated its overall health, including heart and lungs, and confirmed cancer via biopsy and imaging.

Treatment steps:
Surgical planning – evaluating anesthetic risk and overall fitness.
Tumor removal – careful nasal surgery with adequate margins to avoid leaving cancer cells, mindful of sensitive anatomy.
Pathology check – excised tissue confirmed a clean margin, meaning no cancer cells at the edge.
Post-op care – scheduled follow‑ups to monitor for recurrence and support overall health.

The surgery was successful, the dog recovered well, and its quality of life was restored. The owner was relieved that the cancer was fully removed and committed to recommended follow‑up care.

Surgical treatment of cancer in pets, with careful attention to surgical margins, is crucial for higher cure rates and lower recurrence. The 10‑year‑old dog case at Erawan Pet Hospital highlights the importance of thorough diagnosis, meticulous surgical planning, and post‑operative margin assessment. Pet owners should monitor for unusual masses and seek veterinary evaluation promptly to maximize treatment success.

If you’re concerned about your pet’s health or suspect cancer, Erawan Pet Hospital’s advanced oncology department—with experienced veterinarians and modern technology—is ready to provide comprehensive diagnostics and treatment.