Meet Bethan, a nearly 10-year-old collie cross who arrived as a patient at Animal Trust Rhyl. Recently, her owner became worried after discovering a mass at the top of one of her back legs.

Bethan and her owner attended our Rhyl clinic, where vet Zoe and vet nurse Rhian took a small sample from the mass for testing. The results were back within 24 hours, and the test confirmed that the mass needed to be removed. Bethan was booked in for surgery the following week. Vet Zoe successfully removed the soft tissue sarcoma, and surgical margins were obtained, meaning the cancer should not recur. Bethan was then discharged after successful surgery.

Sadly, just like humans, pets can develop a lump. Some benign lumps are inflammatory due to infection or an immune-mediated response, while others develop due to spontaneous mutations in cell development. If you find a lump on your pet, you should seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.

Our referral service is available to all pet owners. We are happy to provide a second opinion and affordable treatment and surgery for more complex health issues. You can remain with your current vet for their day-to-day care; we are here to support you and your companion with peace of mind and access to an affordable referral alternative.

To find out more about Animal Trust’s Referral Services, see our Referrals section.