19 Ryde Road, Pymble, NSW 2073
Rosie’s Skin Graft Surgery ***GRAPHIC CONTENT***
By John Morgan | Dated May 29, 2018
It would be safe to say that Rosie, the courageous 11-year-old Kelpie, is now a platinum frequent flyer at Gordon Vet.
3 months ago, Rosie presented to Gordon Vet with a large golf ball sized lump on her ankle. Sadly, this was diagnosed as a cancerous skin mass called a Mast Cell Tumour. The great news was that the cancer had not spread to her abdomen, chest or lymph nodes. The bad news was that the ankle is a very tricky location for lump removal surgery as there is not much skin for wound closure. This often means we need to amputate the leg. Fortunately, Rosie’s owners are very dedicated and opted for advanced skin reconstructive surgery using a skin graft to close the wound following the lump removal.
Cells from Rosie’s lump were collected before surgery via a needle showing it was a mast cell tumour.
On her day of surgery, Rosie arrived with a brave face. Rosie’s surgery was so intricate that it required two surgeons. While Dr Imogene worked on the donor skin site (in Rosie’s case a large section of skin was harvested from her flank), Dr John removed the cancerous lump and very meticulously prepared and applied the skin graft over Rosie’s ankle.
John preparing the skin for attachment and Imogene closing the wound where the graft tissue was collected.
Collecting the graft tissue from the side of the abdomen.
Preparation of the graft. After this photo the tissue underneath the skin, fat and vessels was removed to ensure maximum chance of graft survival.
Graft skin once applied.
Midway point of treatment. Bandages were reapplied twice weekly to protect the graft.
At this point the bandage could be left off and allowed to heal over time.
The surgery was a huge success. With the help of her devoted owners, Rosie has been returning to our clinic twice weekly to clean, re-dress and re-bandage her new skin. We are very happy with the end result and the hair from the skin graft even grows in the right direction! Rosie still has a long road ahead of her as she commences oral chemotherapy. She has been an absolute pleasure to treat!
Rosie at her last bandage change. She has been an amazing patient!
Written by John Morgan
John first started with Gordon Vet Hospital back in 2004 as a weekend Nurse while studying Veterinary Science. When he graduated he worked in Goulburn for a few years before spending 2 years doing locum work through Canada. John returned to Australia in 2013 and came back to Gordon Vet Hospital. John completed his postgraduate studies in Small Animal Practice in 2013 and in 2015 gained Membership to the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Small Animal Surgery.
Comments
Wendy Lee
11:53 27 Nov 21
I've been taking my cat to Gordon Vet since she was a kitten. Every vet we've seen have been wonderful and have provided the best service and advice. They're very thorough and will always make sure that your pet feels comfortable. The receptionists are super friendly and the online booking system is easy to use!
Jonathan Nix
04:39 24 Nov 21
Really friendly and helpful team. Patient and thoughtful responses to my questions were greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Michelle mccaffrey
07:20 07 Nov 21
Recently visited with our little cat on a late sunday morning. We called in just before they were due to close & they were happy to stay back and check over our cat so we didn't have to run to the emergency vet. DR Helen was incredibly kind and professional. She eased our worries & treated the medical issue with our cat. I feel very confident bringing our cat into see any DR at Gordon Vet Hospital as I know each staff member is genuinely caring and passionate about helping animals.
Wallachia
05:42 06 Oct 21
We looked for the vet with the least amount of 1-star ratings in our local area. To our surprise there are a lot of shocking reviews out there for vet clinics. Gordon Vet Hospital had the best rating by a long shot.So we called first thing yesterday morning and managed to get a booking pretty early in the morning for our cat whose condition was getting rapidly worse.Everything about our experience was lovely. From the empathetic receptionist, to the vet who is taking care of our cat who has kept us informed twice a day about her condition and took the time to answer all our questions.The cost estimate was given up-front and was very reasonable compared to every other practice.We couldn't be happier.-M
Sigrid Boehme (Siggy)
23:12 04 Oct 21
Really good with dealing with Covid by inviting patients to stay outside and they come to you. They have lots of people helping out. The only thing is that it is quite expensive compared to other vets.
Kathrin Rac
09:22 12 Sep 21
Dr Catherine Chen is amazing and the only vet I trust with my three cavalier girls. Other vets have always been judgemental, but Catherine listens and works with you to come to a compromise to what is best for my girls going forward. Last time my tri went in to have a dental and she was completely happy to be there even went back in with the nurse wagging her tail while we were waiting outside! We even drive the distance since moving as we completely value Catherine's skill, expertise and manner.
Daniel Lister
10:42 01 Sep 21
Not that the dog is always entirely happy to go there, though they run a great operation with some. Convenient, clean and very communicative. Never do I doubt that the staff their live working with animals.
Vicki Libbesson
00:47 10 Aug 21
Always fabulous service from very friendly, approachable and very knowledgeable vets and nurses. David, Scott and the team have been our pets' chosen vet practice for 32 years ! Thank you all for helping us through the sad times and all of the good times as well.Highly recommended !
Olivia Pitt
23:26 25 Jul 21
Highly impressed with the quality of service. Definitely recommend, easy and efficient + very thorough & good value. Thank you 😊
Emma
10:48 22 Jun 21
First time going to Gordon Vet Hospital with my little pooch. Parking was fairly easy. The front staff very friendly. We had Vet Dr Imogene who showed genuine interest in my pooch & was very knowledgeable when asked alot of questions. Dr Imogene made us feel that we could trust her to do what is best for our pooch. Very happy to go back.Price point - they would be slightly on the higher side.A good place for your best friend 🐶
Bridget Peachey
05:12 17 Jun 21
Thanks to all the team at the Gordon Vet Hospital. I transferred my dogs here a couple of year's ago from another local vet clinic as a quote for some oral work was significantly cheaper and have never regretted it. Not only good value, but excellent care, great follow up and support and my two dogs love the free liver treats - making the visits a positive experience.
Jenny Wilson
01:18 08 Jun 21
They are the most understanding and caring group of people I have met. After my dog had to be put to sleep a sympathy card was sent with her paw prints and bit of hair attached and beautiful words of sympathy. A lovely thought. I would recommend this practice to anyone.
Matthew Rajchert
23:29 19 Apr 21
Even though we only use Gordon Vets, we think they are the best. Amazing staff show true passion for your pets wellbeing and even though the location is out of the way it is 100% worth it. I highly recommend this Vet to everyone.
Alison
06:31 27 Mar 21
Nice location, plenty of parking slots!We had a general health check and Dr Lackenby is very kind and helpful! Will definitely come back to this practice next time!
Jemma Sully-Harries
03:18 18 Mar 21
My family and pets have always had a great experience here and the reception staff is always very nice, helpful and knowledgeable. Recently my puppy was sick and Dr David Loneragan helped us out and was easily accessible to me. We will definitely be coming back here next time!
Robyn King
02:57 04 Feb 21
My family and I have lived in the area for over 30 years and we have never been to any other practice. The care and compassion the vets have shown towards our babies has always been of the highest standard. I would particularly like to thank Dr Coggins for the care and compassion she has shown towards me in recent months with Salem (who unfortunately was PTS this past Sunday) and also with Lilah. This practice has a real gem in her!
Hana Yoon
08:43 14 Jan 21
I’ve been taking my dog to this vet for 7 years and they’ve always been so kind, professional and empathetic. They’ve always been able to fit him in, even in emergency situations so I’m very grateful!
Colin Pannell
23:26 07 Dec 20
Well it's never nice to have to take your beloved pet(s) to the vets but sometimes you just have to. Gordon Vets are similarly priced to others in this locale but they are well organised, off street parking and the vets are compassionate about the care of animals. Even separate entrances for dogs and cats ! See attached photo. Educated, literate cats queue up outside (ir's actually the practice's resident cat).
John Hannelly
03:04 09 Nov 20
David and all the staff are wonderful, caring people who really look after your loved pets in a very professional manner.
Chris Chappel
00:54 31 Oct 20
Extremely happy with Imogen and the team. I had lost ALL faith in vets after going to GreenCross.Thankfully Gordon Vet Hospital surpassed all our hopes and expectations. Imogen was incredibly caring, clinically competent and finally solved the issue our cat had.The vet nurses and reception team seemed genuinely happy and were super friendly each time we’ve returned. Follow up care after the surgery for our cat was like night and day compared to what we’d been through at our old vet. Unlike at GreenCross where the final price always ended up being at the top of the quoted range, at Gordon Vet Hospital the quote was far more reasonable and the price ended up at the lower end of the estimate. Highly recommended this vet.
Lisa Elliott
06:17 20 Oct 20
I can't rate Gordon Vet Hospital any higher. I took my 11yr old staffy in for surgery with the beautiful Imogene Ewen (amazing surgeon) and was managed by incredibly professional front office staff (Maddie). My dog, Coco was in the best of hands. The after care service is detailed and their love of animals is so very clear to all who enter. Exceptional service for the North Shore.
Jonathan Summers
09:51 09 Oct 20
We love these guys. We have 3 cats and they are all well looked after.
jo kleoudis
22:08 04 Oct 20
Best vets and nursing staff. Great advice. Convenient and always easy to book.
Michelle Keir
08:30 01 Sep 20
Great service my dog loves going there! The staff are very caring and the vets very knowledgeable and do not over service.
Ayanthi Gooneratne
06:22 24 Aug 20
The Vets are fantastic and so are the support staff.My dogs have been with Gorden Vets for over 10 years.
Eve Barratt
01:17 04 Aug 20
I took our little girl Coco for her very first vet visit yesterday. Dr Helen gave Coco a thoroughly check-up and provided me with useful information as the first time puppy owner. Coco is now enrolled in the puppy school and will return back for her 2nd vaccine in a couple of week!
Kimba
02:50 09 Jul 20
Dr David and the team have provided real care, support and expertise for our furry family members over 25 years. They've also readily taken in injured wildlife. A great team of Vets and nurses - thanks for all you do!
Jayna Hirani
03:43 09 Apr 20
Quality care and advice at every visit. The staff are friendly and informative and genuinely care about your pets. I am 100% confident that my cat and dog always receive the best pet healthcare and as pet parents that's all we want.
Marianne Broeng
23:23 28 Jan 20
Gordon Vet has looked after my golden retriever since she was 9 weeks. Everyone has been amazing and caring with lots of experience. I have been able to ask any questions and always been welcome.Even one day when she stepped on a bee in the evening, they stayed open until we got there and helped her get it out.Thanks to all the staff :-)
Lizzie Wei
00:56 18 Jan 20
We just moved to Gordon couple month ago and need to get my cat vaccinated. We found this hospital through google and I need to say they provide excellent service and very professional! The doctor really knows cat. Highly recommended!
Lara Bisley
08:15 27 Nov 19
Exceptional veterinary hospital. I have been taking my dog here for many years and although I now live in the Eastern Suburbs, I still drive across town to see the Vets at Gordon. The staff are highly skilled, compassionate, friendly and helpful. My 9 year old dog has had 2 knee operations (1 on each knee!) and the outcome of these surgeries far exceeded my expectations. I have been incredibly impressed with the care provided during all of our visits. I would highly recommend Gordon Vet Hospital.
Jennie Keogh
06:36 21 Oct 19
Fantastic and friendly staff who you can tell really care about your pet. Their follow up service is also very reassuring. I also board my cat with Gordon Vet and I feel very comfortable to know he's in safe and caring hands. I'm so glad I found this clinic.
Newsha Amiri
20:24 03 Oct 19
We took our dog there and Dr. David take care of his skin issues. he was so caring and professional.
Luxe Sydney Mum
06:37 02 Sep 19
Compassionate, caring and highly skilled veterinary surgeons who treat their patients and owners with respect. The nursing and administration staff are efficient and remember their patients by name which is a lovely touch. A lovely vet practice which despite our Golden Retriever Finn’s complex medical history, is always welcoming to him and he never displays any signs of anxiety when attending. Dr Helen is lovely and a firm favourite of ours!
Lihong Xing
05:00 05 Nov 18
Highly recommend Dr David, Scott, Helen, and Catherine, I've taken my cat to see all the doctors here.
Jeremy Tarbox
22:55 10 Sep 18
We found a stray, agitated dog in front of our house last night. We phoned but got no help from the Council ranger who gave two options: tie him up in front yard overnight or "let him loose, he'll find his own way home" :( So we phoned Gordon Vet: they stayed open a few minutes so we could run him up and he could have a bed and dinner. Thank you Gordon Vet Hospital, hope he gets home soon!!! :)
Arezu A
03:20 15 Feb 18
Absolutely love the service here. I switched from other Vets to this Vet as the staff here are quite attentive and really care about your furry baby! I have basically seen most of the Dr's here and all of them so far have been fantastic, friendly and fun to speak with! Easy to locate and enough parking available! 5 Stars indeed!
Hi my dog has had a car accident and im wanting to know if we can had skin grafting where the hair doesnt grow back
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