A dog who risked bleeding to death in a highly complex operation has made a full recovery thanks to the skills of vets.

Pablo, a nine-year-old crossbreed whose owner is from Chadderton, underwent the life-or-death operation to remove a tumour from a major blood vessel at Northwest Veterinary Specialists (NWVS) in Runcorn.

The extremely intricate surgery carries a mortality rate of up to 40 per cent per cent, but it was Pablo’s only chance of returning to his old life.

Matt Smith, surgery specialist at NWVS, said: “Part of Pablo’s tumour extended 7.5cm along the vena cava.

“This is the major vein returning blood to the heart, and the surgery can be extremely challenging due to the risk of fatal bleeding.

“It can also be extremely challenging from an anaesthesia perspective because of severe changes in blood pressure due to the release of adrenaline during removal of the tumour, and the temporary blocking of blood flow back to the heart to allow removal to the tumour.”

Pablo had been referred to NWVS because of intermittent vomiting and a possible abdominal mass, although he was still eating and drinking as normal and generally seemed himself.

Pablo’s grateful owner, Gemma Trevers, from Chadderton, said “It was really scary, especially when we were told that if he did not have the operation, there would not be much chance of him surviving very long.

The Oldham Times: Pablo underwent the life-saving surgeryPablo underwent the life-saving surgery (Image: NWVS)

“However, we knew that the surgery was very complicated, and there was around a 20 to 40 per cent chance he may not make it through the surgery.

“We were heartbroken as we wanted to do everything we could for him, but we knew that we had to go ahead with something dangerous and potentially lose him in theatre to be able to give him a chance.

“We were told that if he did make it through surgery, his recovery and prognosis would be very good.”

Thankfully, despite its complexities and significant challenges, the surgery was a success and Pablo has made a full recovery.

Gemma added: “We felt extremely confident in Matt to be able to do the surgery and knew Pablo would be in the best hands.

“Pablo is now like a puppy again. His quality of life is amazing and he is running around and going for longer walks.

“I am extremely thankful that NWVS were there to give Pablo a second chance and allow him to continue his life with us for many years to come.”