"Buddy" was a 12 year old Golden Retriever that was seen for a dark colored swelling at the gum line (gingiva) of the right side. A biopsy confirmed that the mass was a malignant melanoma, a type of very aggressive cancer. X-rays were taken to determine if there had been any spread (metastases) to Buddy's lungs. Blood tests were taken to determine if any other organs were involved. No abnormalities were seen, so Buddy's owners elected with the Doctor's recommendation to have a hemimaxillectomy performed. The surgery removes the part of the upper jaw with the cancer in it.

Pre operatively and postoperatively, Buddy was given pain medication to minimize the amount of discomfort experienced. The next day Buddy went home. Although malignant melanoma is a very aggressive cancer, there was no other spread found.