Tuba’s neurological evaluation with the DoveLewis Neurology team. Photo courtesy DoveLewis A seven-year-old boxer named Tuba underwent a successful suboccipital craniectomy at DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital in Portland, Oreg., after experiencing balance issues. Advanced imaging revealed a cerebellar mass, prompting neurosurgeons Beth Pastina, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), and Dr. Sophie Petersen, PhD, DVM, DACVIM, to carefully remove the tumor while preserving vital neurovascular structures. Drs. Pastina and Petersen of the DoveLewis neurology team led a suboccipital craniectomy to remove the tumor while preserving vital structures. Photo courtesy DoveLewis Post-surgical histopathology was started, and a portion of Tuba’s tumor was sent to the University of Minnesota for the development of a personalized cancer vaccine designed to help train the immune system to recognize and fight tumor cells. “When faced with a diagnosis like Tuba’s, families often feel like they have no options, but that’s not always the case,” says Dr. Pastina. “Tuba’s family was determined to do everything they could for her, and with our specialized neurology team, advanced imaging, and surgical expertise, we were able to provide her with an improved quality of life and more time with them.” Dr. Pastina examines Tuba's neurological condition post-surgery. Photo courtesy DoveLewis Tuba recovered with minimal neurological effects following surgery and returned home after two days. Her case highlights the impact of advanced veterinary neurosurgery in improving outcomes and extending quality time for pets and their families. Tuba's neurological exam was normal post-surgery, showing no signs of ataxia or paresis. Photo courtesy DoveLewis For more information on Tuba’s case, visit the DoveLewis website.
