
20/06/2025
Leo has always been a healthy boy, but in early May he developed unusual symptoms of excessive drooling, restlessness, pacing, and circling. He was taken to his regular vet, Companion Vet Care, who performed preliminary blood tests and Xrays, before he transferred to the team at QVS. On examination, the QVS team found that Leo was showing signs of neurological disease. An MRI of his brain confirmed the presence of a 1.7cm X 1.9cm X 2.4cm tumour, suspected to be a rare ependymoma, based on the appearance, location, and large amount of fluid and blood that had built up around the tumour. The mass was causing a significant increase in the pressure in Leo's brain, and having quite a severe impact on his wellbeing (see MRI pic insert).
He was subsequently referred to our radiation therapy team at BVSC. Lead Radiation Vet, Dr Kate Bruce and remote Radiation Oncologist, Dr David Lurie (ONE Oncology) met with Leo's very dedicated owners, and immediately rushed him through for urgent treatment. Leo underwent a treatment course of 3 consecutive daily radiation treatments. Luckily for Leo, he has responded very well so far. We recently saw him for his 2 week recheck, and he's already shown significant improvement in his neurological signs due to shrinkage of the tumour. We expect this effect will continue for the next few months as the radiation keeps working, and hope for further improvement and a significant extension of his life.
Here he is pictured getting cuddles from our super golden retriever-loving nurse, Mickey ❤️