CLIENT EDUCATION Video Archives New videos and articles added all the time!! For Cats Administering Medication Allergies Basic Health Care Behavior Bereavement  Disease & Vaccinations Ear Care Eye Care Household Dangers Osteoarthritis Pre/Post Operation Seizures Ticks & Fleas Traveling With Your Pet Your Senior Cat For Dogs Administering Medication Allergies Basic Health Care Behavior Bereavement Canine Heartworm Disease & Instestinal Parasites Dental Care Disease & Vaccinations Ear Care Eye Care Household Dangers Obesity/Slentrol Osteoarthritis Porphyromonas Vaccine Pre/Post Operation Seizures Ticks & Fleas Traveling With Your Pet Your Senior Dog LINKS natvetlab.net for bartonella information. petemergencyfund.org for Pet Emergency Fund donation information. http://indoorpet.osu.edu for cat behavior information. petsandparasites.org for parasite information. catwellness.org for cat wellness information. www.aplb.org for pet bereavement information. www.purevax.com for purevax vaccination information. petwellness.com for novartis products and parasite information. growingupwithpets.com for a parents resource for raising happy kids with healthy pets. www.purinaveterinarydiets.com for more information on the diets  we offer for your pets. Did You Know? click above link for interesting facts and information CASE OF THE MONTH SIGNALMENT: Name: Trooper Age: 12 Years Sex: Male/Neutered Breed: Labrador Retriever Mix HISTORY:   Trooper was presented for his senior 6 month wellness exam.  At this time, the owner had no concerns about Trooper's health since his last exam, 6 months ago.  Upon examination, a mass was located inside of Trooper's mouth, on the gums near the Left Upper K9 tooth.   DIAGNOSIS: A mass on a pet's body is abnormal and all masses should be tested to know what cells they consist of.  This mass was to be surgically removed to be further investigated through histopathology.  The mass was removed with the use of the CO2 Surgical Laser and sent to a lab for biopsy.  When the results were in, the mass was found to be an Osteosarcoma, or a tumor of the bone. SOLUTION: Due to the nature of the tumor, Trooper was sent to a surgical specialist for evaluation of having a maxillectomy.  This procedure would entail surgical removal of the upper left portion of Trooper's jaw affected by the tumor.  The surgeon performed the surgery, removing the portion of Trooper's maxilla from his upper left incisor 2 to his upper left premolar 3, reducing the possibility of metastasis to other areas of the body.  The bone portion removed was sent to the histopathologist as well, to identify the aggressiveness and exact location of the cancer. PROGNOSIS: Based on the histopathology of the removed portion of Trooper's upper jaw, his prognosis was good.  The maxillectomy histopathology showed that there was no neoplastic, or cancerous, cells seen in the tissue sample sent.  This means that the original mass removal was successful. OUTCOME: Today, Trooper is doing very well.  He can eat normal and have a normal lifestyle even with missing a few teeth.  Trooper's owners are to keep a good watch on his mouth for any masses that may return.  With regular home dental care, and an exam every 6 months, it is likely that if any problem reoccurs it will be noticed sooner than later again. COMMENT: It is important to have your pet examined every 6 months. Many things can change or go unnoticed in our pets if they are not seen for their exams.  If Trooper had been seen on a yearly basis, the mass on his maxilla may have gone unnoticed and surgery may not have been an option due to growth of the mass or the aggressiveness of the tumor. It is important to have your pet seen if any mass is found on them.  Masses can come in many forms and it is important to have them tested to know exactly what they consist of and further treatment that is necessary. Trooper post-surgery Maxilla removed from Left Upper Incisor 2 to Left Upper Premolar 3