Case is a VSB favorite! He is a 12-year-old Labrador retriever whose favorite activity is retrieving ducks. He presented to VSB in October of 2022 with a chronic, intermittent, grade 3/4, left pelvic limb lameness. Upon palpation, he was diagnosed with a ruptured left cranial cruciate ligament (ACL) and torn meniscus. His owner was concerned about surgery on an older dog and his ability to return to doing the things he loved.

After surgical consultation with Dr Vaughn, and education of the published reports of 90% satisfaction of owners that pursue surgical stabilization, they elected to pursue surgery. A TPLO surgery was performed by Dr Vaughn. Case recovered well. His lameness was completely resolved by 12 weeks postoperative, and he was able to hunt late that season.

Case did wonderfully until the following year when he developed lameness of the right pelvic limb. Again, Case was referred to Dr Vaughn for help. On Initial examination, case was found to have a grade 2/4 right pelvic limb lameness that worsened during exercise. Close examination found asymmetry for the musculature of the thighs. His right thigh was 10cm larger than his left thigh.

Radiographs confirmed a soft tissue mass of the thigh. CT was performed to further evaluate the mass for surgical resection. CT revealed a large heterogenous fat attenuating intermuscular mass of the thigh. Fine needle aspirate was performed, and results were consistent with a lipomatous tumor.

Dr Vaughn performed surgery to remove the mass. The tumor was found to be intimately associated with the sciatic nerve. Careful dissection was required, but the tumor was removed, and the limb was preserved.

Histopathology of the tumor confirmed the mass to be an intermuscular lipoma. Surgery of these tumors is often curative. Just as with his previous recovery, Case did great. He returned to a high level of function and a wonderful quality of life. He continues to be his owner’s daily running partner.

Case’s owners were kind enough to send Dr. Vaughn an update This fall. He is continuing to do well and living his best life.