Perineal & perinanal masses

Max, an elderly spaniel was referred with straining to defaecate. The referring vet had identified a mass affecting the right side of the anus, and increased thirst and urination. Blood tests had identified increased calcium levels.

A female Staffie Bull Terrier was admitted for removal of a mass from the caudal thigh. This was likely to be a soft tissue sarcoma from fine needle aspirates done by the referring vet, and the owner requested excision on that basis without further confirmatory biopsy.

A 3-year-old Bulldog presented for attention her breed-related “screw tail”.  The deep skin folds associated with the cork-screw tail led to festering skin infections.

A 7-year-old female Labrador presented with a large soft tissue mass, a leiomyosarcoma (a malignant tumour of smooth muscle cells), in the perineum (the area between the vagina and the anus).

A 12 year female Border Collie presented with a massive (>2kg) soft tissue mass over the right rump. This was believed to be a soft tissue sarcoma and had grown over a couple of years. It was removed with reductive intent rather than curative intent.