WSU Veterinary Surgeons Perform Complex Operation

Nov 7, 2024 - At the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital, resources are available to handle complex conditions. This was the case with a shepherd-lab mix named Wolfie who was diagnosed with chylothorax, which causes the leaking of lymphatic fluid into the chest cavity, making breathing difficult. Veterinary surgeon Dr. Boel Fransson and her surgical team, which included surgery resident Dr. Peter Welsh and fourth-year veterinary student Thomas LeClair, perform a three hour operation, aided by technology available at only a handful of veterinary institutions, to save Wolfie’s life. The minimally invasive procedure requires highly skilled and experienced surgeons and technology not available at most facilities.