Surgical planning for cancer in a dog with heart disease

Surgical planning in pets with multiple concurrent health conditions requires a high level of caution—especially in brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs, which are prone to respiratory issues. If heart disease is also present, both anesthesia and surgery must be carefully evaluated. When an abdominal mass is detected and requires removal, a stepwise surgical plan is essential to ensure the pet’s safety.

Case Example
Breed: French Bulldog
Gender: Male
Age: 6 years
Presenting Signs: Abdominal mass, labored breathing
Diagnosis: Heart disease confirmed through clinical evaluation

After a thorough clinical assessment, the veterinary team at Erawan Pet Hospital followed a three-step treatment plan to ensure the safest outcome:

Step 1: Cardiac Evaluation and Pre-Surgical Risk Assessment
- Referral to the cardiology department for evaluation of anesthetic risk, including:
          - Echocardiogram
          - Electrocardiogram (ECG)
          - Chest X-rays
- Cardiologists worked closely with the surgical team to stabilize and manage the heart condition before surgery, minimizing complications.

Step 2: Brachycephalic Syndrome Surgery
- Stenotic nares resection: Widening of narrowed nostrils
- Soft palate resection: Trimming of the elongated soft palate
This surgery improves breathing efficiency, reduces future anesthetic risks, and prepares the pet for major abdominal surgery.

Step 3: Abdominal Tumor Removal
- Tumor evaluation via abdominal ultrasound
- Pre-surgical bloodwork
- Surgery performed by a surgical and anesthesiology team
- Tissue sent for histopathology
Because of the complexity and duration of the procedure, dividing the surgery into two stages helped reduce the risk and promoted safer recovery.

Postoperative Care: As Important as the Surgery Itself
Recovery is a critical phase. At Erawan Pet Hospital, we provide comprehensive post-surgical care both in-hospital and through detailed home-care instructions:
- Respiratory and cardiac monitoring: 24–48 hours of continuous observation by vets and nurses
- Pain management: Safe medications tailored for cardiac patients
- Wound care: Proper dressing and caregiver instructions for wound management and preventing licking
- Scheduled follow-ups: To assess healing progress, review histopathology results, and create a long-term care plan
- Home care guidance: Includes restricted activity, appropriate diet, and signs to watch for

Systematic Planning = Better Outcomes
For high-risk patients—especially brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs—a well-structured treatment plan is vital. Preoperative evaluation, careful surgical staging, and attentive postoperative care are the keys to a safe recovery and improved quality of life.

At Erawan Pet Hospital, our experienced team of veterinary professionals—specializing in cardiology, surgery, and anesthesia—work together to create safe, personalized treatment plans. Our goal is to help your beloved pet recover well and return to a happy, healthy life.