Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Potato Chip Baker, a 10-year-old mixed-breed dog from Petersburgh, VA, came to AMC’s Surgical Service 2 with a right adrenal mass that had invaded the largest vein in the abdomen responsible for returning all blood from the abdomen and hind end to the heart. To remove both the mass and tumor extension, Drs. Daniel Spector and Chelsea Tyler performed a surgical incision through the breastbone to access the chest and temporarily halt all blood flow through the vena cava. This enabled a highly complex and high-risk procedure called a “cavotomy,” in which the vessel was incised to remove the tumor before being rapidly repaired to restore circulation. During surgery, Potato Chip also required removal of his right kidney. The procedure involved significant blood loss, necessitating multiple transfusions—including one generously donated by AMC anesthesiologist Dr. Nikki Dowgos’ dog, Lucy—as well as intensive anesthetic support, which proved critical to his survival. Despite these challenges, Potato Chip recovered remarkably well and was discharged just four days later without complications related to the removal of his kidney. Throughout his care, he remained exceptionally sweet, and his devoted family provided unwavering support.
Potato Chip Baker, a 10-year-old mixed-breed dog from Petersburgh, VA, came to AMC’s Surgical Service 2 with a right adrenal mass that had invaded the largest vein in the abdomen responsible for returning all blood from the abdomen and hind end to the heart. To remove both the mass and tumor extension, Drs. Daniel Spector and Chelsea Tyler performed a surgical incision through the breastbone to access the chest and temporarily halt all blood flow through the vena cava. This enabled a highly complex and high-risk procedure called a “cavotomy,” in which the vessel was incised to remove the tumor before being rapidly repaired to restore circulation. During surgery, Potato Chip also required removal of his right kidney. The procedure involved significant blood loss, necessitating multiple transfusions—including one generously donated by AMC anesthesiologist Dr. Nikki Dowgos’ dog, Lucy—as well as intensive anesthetic support, which proved critical to his survival. Despite these challenges, Potato Chip recovered remarkably well and was discharged just four days later without complications related to the removal of his kidney. Throughout his care, he remained exceptionally sweet, and his devoted family provided unwavering support.
