Bovine Tumour Resection

Last week, I had the opportunity to assist with a tumour resection procedure on a 3-week-old black angus calf. The farmer had initially brought the calf in due to a large growth present on the side of its face since birth. At first, the mass was suspected to be a cyst; however, further diagnostic investigation revealed that it was an invasive lipoma (Figure 1).

The lipoma was found to be tightly adhered to critical structures, including the optic nerve, orbit, several facial nerves, and the left digastricus muscle. Due to the extent of its infiltration, complete excision of the tumour was not possible without also removing the affected eye. Consequently, the veterinary surgeon performed a combined enucleation and tumour resection (Figure 2).

This was by far the largest lipoma I have seen located in a particularly challenging area, even extending into the skull. Because full excision could not be guaranteed, there remains a risk of regrowth. However, the procedure was undertaken primarily to improve the calf’s quality of life and prevent the need for euthanasia. I remain hopeful that the tumour will not return and that the calf will go on to live a normal, healthy life.