Springer Spaniel Makes a Full Recovery Thanks to Advanced Surgery at Pet Care Veterinary Surgery in Erith

A much-loved local dog, Meadow, has made a remarkable recovery after undergoing advanced surgery to remove a cancerous tumour at Pet Care Veterinary Surgery in Erith, thanks to the skill of Clinical Director Sebastiano Re, DVM, MRCVS. The complex procedure was made possible through Sebastiano’s advanced veterinary training, funded by the practice’s parent company, Kin Vet Community, and the dedicated aftercare provided by Meadow’s devoted owner, Dave.

Meadow, a 13-year-old Springer Spaniel, was diagnosed with a large soft tissue sarcoma tumour on her right elbow. Given her age and the tricky location of the tumour, the operation needed to remove it was a complex procedure for a general veterinary practice, such as Pet Care Veterinary Surgery, to carry out. Meadow’s surgery took place in February 2025 and, thanks to Sebastiano’s additional training, Meadow is now fully recovered and back to living her best life with her owner in just four months post-op.

Sebastiano performed an intricate mass excision surgery, a complex technique usually seen in referral hospital settings.

“This was a challenging case,” said Sebastiano. “Without having the opportunity to study for my Advanced Certificate in Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery, funded by Kin Vet Community, I wouldn’t have been able to offer this level of care within general practice. I’m always looking for ways to enhance my training and I am so pleased that the learning from this course has given me the skills and confidence to handle Meadow’s case in-house. Seeing her recover so well is exactly why I take pleasure in doing what I do.”

Dave, Meadow’s owner, played a crucial role in her successful recovery, managing a long and intensive post-operative care routine at home over several weeks. Sebastiano also praised Meadow’s gentle nature and resilience, which helped her tolerate repeated bandage changes and check-ups. “Without the ongoing support of Dave in Meadow’s post-operative care, we might not have seen such a speedy recovery,” Sebastiano says. Dave expressed immense gratitude to the team at Pet Care Veterinary Surgery, describing the outcome as ‘life-changing’ for both of them.

The team at Pet Care Veterinary Surgery hopes that by sharing Meadow’s story, pet owners will understand more about the benefits of local veterinary practices having access to advanced skills and support. Pet owners are encouraged to speak with their vet about treatment options that might be available locally, even for complex cases.

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