Treatment of an oral melanoma with a symphysis‐sparing rim mandibulectomy with 3D patient‐specific guides aided by near‐infrared fluoroscopy for sentinel lymph nodes removal in a dog

This case report details the treatment of a 10‐year‐old female labradoodle diagnosed with oral malignant melanoma, utilising a novel approach involving a symphysis‐sparing rim mandibulectomy. The surgical procedure was guided by 3D patient‐specific cutting guides and supported by near‐infrared fluoroscopy for sentinel lymph node mapping. Pre‐operative imaging and computed tomography lymphangiography identified the right mandibular lymph node as the sentinel lymph node. Custom 3D guides were designed to ensure precise osteotomy margins, preserving 50% of the mandibular symphysis and preventing post‐operative mandibular drift. Near‐infrared fluoroscopy facilitated the accurate identification and extirpation of sentinel lymph nodes. Post‐operative histopathology confirmed clear surgical margins and reactive lymphoid hyperplasia in the sentinel nodes. The patient recovered well without complications. This report describes the potential of 3D‐guided surgery and near‐infrared fluoroscopy for the treatment of canine oral melanoma.