Dear Colleagues,

Do you have any ideas regarding this 1cm diameter lesion in the middle of the dorsal aspect of the tongue. The tongue belongs to a 12-year-old neutered Golden Retriever bitch, Maisie [my dog!]. The lesion was observed last week.

She is generally unwell and has a depressed appetite, muscle weakness, an occasiona old man’s cough that has resulted in her vomiting partially digested food twice this morning. In addition, she has a left-sided heart murmur.

She has a background history of urinary incontinence and metacarpal osteoarthritis that is treated with Incurin, Propalin and recently carprofen.

Her CBC was unremarkable. Her chem panel demonstrated high ALT, GLDH, bile acids, and DGGR Lipase. Radiographic exam of the chest and abdomen demonstrated some spondylosis, but was otherwise unremarkable.

I am about to do an abdominal ultrasound scan.

I appreciate that this is not strictly a dental case, but would very much appreciate your thoughts on her. It is always difficult treating your own animals, as you know, and her condition is deteriorating quickly.

With best wishes,

David