Stories: Stimpy
The beautiful Border Collie was just ten years young when her devoted 'parents', learned the devastating news that she had bone cancer. Their trusted family vet explained that the cancer had the potential to destroy the bone in Stimpy's leg which would cause terrible pain. Worse, it would likely spread to other organs and she could die within a very short time.
Their vet immediately referred Stimpy to Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre. The local vet's radiographs were reviewed and the centre thought Stimpy had a good chance with surgery. It was a referral that saved this dog's life – and gave Stimpy's family a glimmer of hope that their beloved pet would be with them for more years to come.
Because Stimpy's vet had referred her so early, the cancer was caught before it had a chance to grow too large. Within days, she was undergoing life-saving surgery.
This delicate operation is known as limb sparing surgery. Surgeons carefully removed the end of the major bone in Stimpy's wrist (distal radius) where the tumour was growing. They then removed a section of the less important bone in Stimpy's other front leg (ulna) and placed this bone into her wrist with a bone plate, screws and bone graft.
Stimpy was a brave little patient and because she received intensive round-the-clock care and lots of pain relief, she recovered well from her surgery. The team were delighted when the pathology results came back as a low grade bone cancer (parosteal osteosarcoma). This meant Stimpy would not have to endure chemotherapy, and that cancer spread was unlikely.
Three years after her surgery, there was no sign of this lethal cancer returning.
Her family were so grateful for the life-saving treatment she received at BVSC, they said they wanted to donate to cancer research. Recently set up, the Australian Animal Cancer Foundation provided vital funding for animal cancer research in Australia. The Cancer Clinic within BVSC is one of a few speciality facilities of its kind in the world, and the only place in Australia which houses specialists in surgical, medical and radiation oncology under the same roof.
Tragically, Stimpy died recently. Advancing years brought a second, even more serious cancer and the team at BVSC ensured she died with dignity and without pain or suffering.
While her 'parents' are still grieving the loss, she was part of their family. They appreciate now, more than ever, the extra four years they had together. They know that without Dr Rod's intervention, and the benefit of the medical research conducted at this world-class clinic, they would have lost Stimpy many years ago.
The joy Stimpy brought them in her happy life are memories they will treasure forever.
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