The outcome of the case needs to be discussed. This may be based on follow up visits, medical management or suture removal appointments.
The outcome section should be an overview of how the patient is progressing after the treatment or surgery provided and any ongoing management.
The patient recovered from the surgery very well. The prognosis for this patient is fair, however long term, we are unsure if the tumour has metastasised to the lungs, as suggested by the pathologist report. Regular consults with the veterinarian will be necessary, as well as thoracic radiographs to monitor any metastasis as well ACTH stimulation tests to ensure the remaining adrenal gland performs adequately.
Mortality rates associated with an adrenalectomy range from 19% to 60%1. Another study found dogs that survived surgery had a median survival time of 17.5 to 36 months, with some living more than 5 years1. The prognosis is good for dogs with adenomas but poor for carcinomas2.
1. Sennello KA et al. Treating Adrenal Neoplasia in Dogs and Cats. Vet Med. 2004 Feb; 99 (2) 172-185.
2. Birchard SJ: Adrenalectomy. In: Textbook of Small Animal Surgery. ed. Slatter D, 3rd ed, pp 1694-17000. WB Saunders, Philadelphia, PA, 2003.