[Thank you for the owner’s trust💕] Buffy, a 1.7 kg dog, was suffering from pyloric obstruction and was diagnosed by our oncology team with an obstructive pyloric mass (FNA suggested sarcoma). His owners were concerned about the risks and invasiveness of surgery, but after consultation and reassurance by our Specialist in Small Animal Surgery, Dr. Stephen Martin, as surgery offered the best chance for him to live a normal life, a plan was put in place.
At surgery, the mass was confirmed to envelop the pylorus, but also there was very close association with the bile duct. (Mass: orange circle, Common bile duct: blue arrow, duodenum: white arrow, antrum: black arrow). The mass was resected via total pylorectomy (Billroth type 1) and gastroduodenal anastomosis. A duodenotomy was also performed to catheterise the CBD and confirm patency.
Despite an initial excellent recovery, he experienced complications including hypoglycemic episodes (suspected ‘dumping’ syndrome) and hyperbilirubinemia encephalopathy that were successfully medically managed. Dr. Stephen also performed a follow-up gastroduodenoscopy to review the anastomosis site, confirming complete healing.
We are happy to report that final checkup shows a happy and clinically normal dog with day-to-day improvements in appetite, weight-gain, resolution of nausea/vomiting. Histology confirmed a completely excised GIST. A big combined effort by the surgery, nursing, ER, and technician teams, the anaesthesia department, and the ICU and wards teams.
