Cathlab embolisation performed on 13-year-old dog in Pune

A 13-year-old Labrador named Muffin Zore underwent katlab-guided embolization for liver and spleen tumors at the Small Animal Clinic in Pune. The dog was admitted to the hospital with complaints of severe anemia, low platelet count, breathing difficulties and abdominal distension.

According to the clinic, pre-procedural examinations revealed hemoglobin of 3.5 g/dL and platelet count of 30,000; imaging indicated large tumors and suspicious metastases in the spleen and liver. During clinical examination, a palpable abdominal mass estimated to weigh 2.5-3 kg was detected. Owners Sumeet and Aru Zore from Pune reported that the dog had difficulty standing up and walking and was out of breath for 4-5 months.

Interventional tumor embolization involves guiding a catheter through blood vessels to block the tumor’s blood flow, reducing its size and risk of bleeding. The approach may be considered for patients at high risk of major surgery, the clinic said.

Veterinary surgeon Narendra Pardeshi said the team considered open surgery to be high risk due to the dog’s delicate condition and the vascularity in the spleen and liver. He added that the team then opted for minimally invasive embolization: “Catheter A was passed through the femoral artery and directed to branches of the artery feeding the liver tumor to reduce blood flow.” Dr. Pardeshi also noted that this is the first time in veterinary practice that a procedure has been performed in-house with the help of a vascular surgeon and interventional radiologist.

It was stated that the transaction was carried out on December 15, 2025.

Embolization, Dr. Dharmesh Gandhi (vascular surgeon) and Dr. It was carried out under the guidance of Dr. Kiran Naiknaware (interventional radiologist) with technical support from Mr. Kanhaiya Khaire, cath lab technician and cardiac department manager. The clinic said there was no need for inpatient admission and the pet was discharged the same day.

The clinic reported that hemoglobin levels began to rise within 48 hours after the procedure. At 15-day follow-up, over 70% regression in tumor size and over 70% reduction in abdominal swelling were noted. Doctors confirmed that Muffin was active, alert, breathing easily, and gradually regaining her strength.