Submitted by J. Hudson on Mon, 07/04/2025 - 16:06
Meet Doug - our beloved four-legged helper at the Vet School and a true favourite among students.
Doug belongs to one of our amazing Oncology nurses and is a charming Pug x Jack Russell cross. With his easy-going personality and irresistible little face, Doug plays a key role at the Pauline Brown Clinical Skills Centre, where he helps train the vets of the future by lending a paw in practical teaching sessions.
But Doug isn’t just a teaching superstar – he’s also had his own brush with veterinary care.
In late 2024, Doug was diagnosed with a mast cell tumour (MCT) – a common skin tumour, especially in pugs and other brachycephalic breeds. These tumours can be sneaky, often mimicking cysts or warts and sometimes appearing and disappearing in a pattern known as "waxing and waning."
The one on his armpit was very subtle with just slight skin colour change, but what his observant owner noticed was that it appeared, then disappeared for a while before re-appearing. This waxing and waning can be typical of this type of tumour. The second one was on the base of the ear tab and was also quite subtle until Doug caught it scratching and caused it to redden.
Both tumours were completely removed and further tests, also done on site at the vet School confirmed a low risk of recurrence or spread, so a clean bill of health for Doug.
The surgery team did a great job of removing these, with a great cosmetic outcome, retaining his handsome looks.
During Doug's care at the QVSH, we were fortunate to have access to Specialists in pathology, clinical pathology, oncology, diagnostic imaging and surgery alongside a dedicated nursing team. We are pleased to support our colleagues in other practices around the region and from further afield by seeing referred cases. If you notice anything unusual or unexplained please don’t hesitate to bring this to the attention of your local vet, who can seek our advice on a range of clinical cases or arrange a referral as needed.
