My professional colleagues asked me to take a look at Benny Jordan's x-rays and give my opinion as to what I considered was the most appropriate treatment.

"Benny", an 8 year old Cairn Terrier, previously had a lump removed from his bottom jaw. This lump was diagnosed as a orm of cancer known as a solitary plasmacytoma.

Within 2 months the cancer had grown back and was very prominent at the end of his chin.

X-rays were taken to see how far along the jaw the cancer had spread. The results of radiography looked encouraging as it appeared there was only limited spread along the jaw line.

At 8 years of age "Benny" was still relatively young. His cancer was the type that remained close to the site of origin and did not metastasise or spread to other parts of the body.

He was in good health otherwise and always retained an enthusiastic disposition. One of the options therefore was to attempt to remove the entire tumour along with a significant portion of his jaw.

Not the kind of news most pet owners like to hear and indeed Mr and Mrs Jordan were no exception. Counselling owners in these situations can be very difficult.

I am very grateful to Mr and Mrs Mawson whose dog "Daisy" had undergone similar surgery many years ago and were willing to discuss with "Benny's" owners the merits and pitfalls of such a procedure. After considerable thought "Benny" was eventually admitted for surgery.

The tumour and jaw excision went well and I was particularly pleased with the creation of Benny's new lower lip which he can still smack with satisfaction. 2 weeks on and yes you guessed it - Benny is keeping his new chin up!

Terry Dunne BVMS, Cert SAO, MRCVS

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