Reviewing any animal for IsoPet® Therapy can sometimes pose quite a challenge. When we're dealing with applicants that have an animal with an aggressively growing tumor, numerous items require assessment. Not every pet is a candidate for our treatment.
With each treatment, we take time to learn and study just how effective and efficient our Precision Radionuclide Therapy (PRnT®) device is. We use each case to research, and apply that experience too continually improving our product.
We would describe this case with Brew as very challenging; with no other good options except amputation.
As per the instruction for determining tumor size, the location of the tumor is on the right front paw. The technical description from the pathology report is that the tumor mass is on the abaxial aspect of digit 2 of the right front carpus.
IsoPet® Therapy was performed by veterinarian Dr. Geoffrey Goebel – the second certified vet at Vista Veterinary Hospital in Kennewick, WA.
Therapy was conducted the week of Friday October 14, 2022.
A very important point is that we are trying to prevent an amputation, to an otherwise healthy dog.
About Dr. Goebel.
Dr. Goebel is a 2007 graduate of Washington State University School of Veterinary Medicine, after attending the University of Washington for his undergraduate degree in zoology. Dr. Goebel and his wife enjoy their Welsh Terrier, Manchester, and their cat named Santa's Little Helper. He enjoys golf, billiards, tennis and coaching youth soccer. Dr. Goebel's professional interests surround surgery, exotic pet and avian medicine.
Attached pics show the tumor and measurements just over one (1) week post surgery Friday, October 21, 2022.
Measurements:
L - ~3-1/4" | W - ~1-11/16" | H - ~2-1/8"
We planned on releasing progress photos this past week. However, they're pretty graphic, and we've decided to wait an additional period of time.
This was a complex treatment. Before IsoPet® Therapy, the tumor had grown and burst through the skin, and a part was surgically removed. After that, the open-treated wound became infected. Brew required antibiotics and additional bandaging. It is now beginning to settle down.
The tumor has decreased in size and is soft, which is a good sign that it is necrotic, but not photogenic.
Thank you.
Brew is still undergoing the effects of the open sore that we encountered before the IsoPet® therapy. It is our recommendation that the Pet Parent visit Vista Veterinarian Clinic after Thanksgiving Day to assess the treated area. As we mentioned in the outset of treatment, these types of tumors can become unpredictable.
Once Brew has completed his follow up examination appointment, we expect to hear further news from Dr. Myers and Dr. Goebel on their assessment.
Thank you.
The pet parent just sent us an email update on Brew.
"The open area where the tumor was located has a good granulation bed and is contracting. The vet does not expect any more surgery. Brew is walking and putting pressure on that foot. The vet will take a look in about a month. Bandaging is optional at this point, and I plan to stop bandaging in about a week and let the area scab over."
This is amazing. This was advanced cancer that had broken through the skin. Because of the open wound, it became infected after therapy and had to be treated with antibiotics.
The cancer was advanced and had killed a large amount of healthy tissue, but the IsoPet® therapy killed the cancer. The animal could not resorb that much necrotic tissue*, so it was surgically removed. Now it appears to be healing. We're trusting in the process that IsoPet® may defiantly saved an amputation.
* What is necrotic tissue, and should it be removed?
Necrotic tissue is dead or devitalized tissue. This tissue cannot be salvaged and must be removed to allow wound healing.
The pet parent just emailed an update on Brew along with photos..
"The vet is very pleased with the healing progress, he does not see any reoccurrence of tumor at this point. The wound site has contracted to about quarter size and bandaging is minimal. Great success story. See attached pic(s).
Brew and I thank you for his return to a more normal life." – Duane
(Mike Korenko, Sc.D • CEO • President – Wednesday January 25, 2023)
The results from this IsoPet® Therapy continue to be excellent. As previously mentioned, Brew had very advanced cancer that had broken through the skin. After IsoPet® Therapy, the open wound became infected and required treatment with antibiotics.
The cancer was advanced and had killed a large amount of healthy tissue, but the IsoPet® Precision Radionuclide Therapy killed the tumor. The animal could not resorb a large amount of necrotic tissue*, so Dr. Goebel surgically removed it. Now it clearly is healing. We're trusting in the process that IsoPet® saved an amputation.
* What is necrotic tissue, and should it be removed?
Necrotic tissue is dead or devitalized tissue. This tissue cannot be salvaged and must be removed to allow wound healing.