Removal of large and small mammary tumors from a 2.5 year old female rat.
Complete procedure duration: 60 minutes
Surgery performed by:
Dr. Peter Field B.V.S.C. (Hons.) M.A.C.V.Sc.
Member of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists by examination in Canine Medicine
Veterinary Physician and Surgeon, Everton Hills Veterinary Surgery, Everton Hills, BrisbaneQld, Australia
and
Surgical Assistant:
Mrs Louise Dux, Certified Laboratory Animal Technician
*Note: While it is Dr. Peter Field’s preference to use an approved surgical hand scrub, rather than surgical gloves to maintain aseptic technique with small animals, his technique does not replace the accepted, evidence-based, surgical practice of the need for the use of sterile gloves, or appropriate draping when performing surgery on rats.
Click on a photo to enlarge it.
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A 2.5 year old intact female rat brought into clinic for removal of small mass in the left thoracic area and large mass in the right lateral abdominal region.
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Smaller mass seen in the left thoracic area below forelimb.
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Larger mass seen at right lateral abdominal region.
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The rat is placed in an anesthetic induction chamber where she is given 3% isoflurane for sedation. The brown pad below the chamber is a heating pad that the rat will remain on throughout the procedure to maintain ambient body temperature, and prevent hypothermia.
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Sedation is maintained using mask.
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Shave prep of surgical sites is being done at both left thoracic area and the right abdominal region.
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Draping maintains sterile technique at the surgical site. The scalpel is drawn along the line of the incision.
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Small tumor is being gently lifted with forceps.
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Forceps holding small tumor .
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Surgeon cutting through connective tissue.
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When cutting connective tissue the surgeon must take care not to inadvertantly sever any blood vessels supplying the tumor.
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As the blood vessels are located they are clamped to prevent bleeding.
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The 2.5 cm tumor removed from the left thoracic area. Gross appearance is that of a mammary fibroma. Histopathology was declined by owner.
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Wound closure and suturing of surgical site where the tumor was removed.
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Suturing completed.
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Surgical site of large tumor prepped with an approved betadine surgical scrub, and minimal alcohol wipe.
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With the draping in place, the surgeon draws the scalpel along the line of incision.
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Blunt dissection between tissue planes.
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Surgeon pulls connective tissue away from mass.
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Surgeon cutting connective tissue to resect tumor.
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Small area of cauterized blood vessel by tip of clamp.
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Clamping of blood vessel.
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Resection of tumor continues.
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Continuing to cut connective tissue.
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Clamping more blood vessels. It is not unusual for large tumors to have multiple blood supplies.
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The 5.5 cm tumor removed from the right lateral abdominal region. Gross appearance is that of a mammary adenoma. Histopathology was declined by the owner.
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Wound closure and initial suturing of site.
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Suturing of surgical site.
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Suturing completed.
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While awakening from anesthesia the rat is given oxygen.
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The rat has been placed back into the induction chamber for recovery where she is provided with additional warmth and oxygen.
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She was then placed in a small hospital cage until healing was progressed enough for her to return to her usual environment.
