Trapezius involved in tumor removal
Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2022 12:26 am
Hi Laurie,
I just wanted to see if you could give me some help with one of my clients dogs please?
I am a massage therapist & do what I can with rehab exercise & advice where I can.
My client has an 8 y.o Deerhound cross, Pepper. Generally a well dog with minor arthritic changes in both carpi, not limiting with no lameness. She enjoys a massage approximately once every 4-6 weeks.
Anyway, about 6 weeks ago I noticed a large lump on the cranial surface of her L scapula & advised my client to get this checked by the vet. It turned out to be a very large cancerous tumor. Needless to say, she went straight to surgery to have it removed. It turned out that the tumor had infiltrated the Trapezius to such an extent that the surgeon had to remove the whole trap muscle,
I have seen Pepper following surgery & she has recovered & healed well but has great difficulty using this limb. She doesn't weight bear but can when standing without pain but cannot use it when ambulating. The surgeon says that it will improve.
But I have concerns as Pepper no longer has that muscle how can she? I feel there's such a huge loss of stability & function without it. I know she will compensate as best she can but would value your opinion on how losing the trapezius will impact on her mobility long-term & best ways to support & rehabilitate her. I have tried to research similar scenarios but have not found anything helpful.
Thanking you for your time, knowledge & experience
Kind Regards
JT
I just wanted to see if you could give me some help with one of my clients dogs please?
I am a massage therapist & do what I can with rehab exercise & advice where I can.
My client has an 8 y.o Deerhound cross, Pepper. Generally a well dog with minor arthritic changes in both carpi, not limiting with no lameness. She enjoys a massage approximately once every 4-6 weeks.
Anyway, about 6 weeks ago I noticed a large lump on the cranial surface of her L scapula & advised my client to get this checked by the vet. It turned out to be a very large cancerous tumor. Needless to say, she went straight to surgery to have it removed. It turned out that the tumor had infiltrated the Trapezius to such an extent that the surgeon had to remove the whole trap muscle,
I have seen Pepper following surgery & she has recovered & healed well but has great difficulty using this limb. She doesn't weight bear but can when standing without pain but cannot use it when ambulating. The surgeon says that it will improve.
But I have concerns as Pepper no longer has that muscle how can she? I feel there's such a huge loss of stability & function without it. I know she will compensate as best she can but would value your opinion on how losing the trapezius will impact on her mobility long-term & best ways to support & rehabilitate her. I have tried to research similar scenarios but have not found anything helpful.
Thanking you for your time, knowledge & experience
Kind Regards
JT