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Loving Memory of Solo

Solo, our beloved Singapore Special, was family. He taught us resilience, love, and trust. But his passing revealed a painful truth critical CT findings were never communicated to us. This is his tribute and our warning.

Read Solo's Story The Warning

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Solo: A Life That Mattered

Solo, our beloved Singapore Special, was 10 years old when he passed. He first came into our lives as a foster in 2015, and from the very beginning, he showed us what resilience and quiet affection looked like. He was briefly adopted by another person who returned him just a few weeks later, and in that moment, we knew he belonged with us. In 2016, we officially adopted him under Project ADORE, and from then on, he became an inseparable part of our family.

Solo filled our lives with unconditional love, joy, and companionship. He had his own quirks, his own gentle personality, and a way of making even the most ordinary days feel special. In return, we did everything we could to give him the best life possible from regular check-ups to long daily walks, from his favourite snacks to simply being there for him every day. He was not “just a dog”; he was family.

His Journey

Solo’s Life of Love & Care

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Solo’s Journey – Rescue & Recovery

Solo came into our lives as a foster puppy from an animal charity in 2015. When he was first rescued, his tail had been tightly tied with a rubber band, cutting off blood circulation. Sadly, it had to be removed. Because of his condition, it was not safe for him to remain in the factory where he had been found, as the environment was dirty and unsuitable for recovery. He needed a clean, loving home where he could heal properly.

Foster rescue severe tail injury
Clean, safe environment for healing
2015: New beginning

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Foster to Forever

After some time in our care, Solo made a strong recovery and was eventually put up for adoption. He met several potential adopters and was adopted by one of them. However, he was later returned due to family circumstances. We continued fostering him, and by the time he was six months old in 2016—when he became eligible for Project ADORE—we had already grown deeply attached. In the end, we chose to make him a permanent part of our family by adopting him ourselves.

Returned adoption → our hearts chose him
Officially adopted under Project ADORE (2016)

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Training & Playschool

We invested time and effort into giving Solo the best life possible. He was enrolled in training, and we carefully selected a doggy daycare that provided enrichment activities, positive reinforcement training, and daily walks. From 2018 onwards, he attended play school at least once a week to socialise with other dogs and become more comfortable around people. Over time, this helped reduce his skittishness and allowed him to grow into a more confident and well-adjusted dog.

Solo with his friends at playschool seeing him happy and social was our greatest reward.

Travel, Boarding & Gentle Guidance
Whenever we travel overseas, Solo stays at the same daycare centre, which also provides overnight boarding. They send regular morning and evening updates, giving us peace of mind that he is safe, happy, and well cared for.

We also made it a point to bring him on regular car rides so he could get used to travelling and new environments. We do not use physical punishment; instead, we guide him with a firm voice when correction is needed. Because he has always felt safe and secure, Solo has never shown aggression—he has never bared his teeth or bitten us.

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Kidney Diagnosis & Dedicated Care
In 2017, when Solo was just one year old, a routine blood test revealed elevated creatinine levels, which was confirmed in a follow-up test. He was diagnosed with kidney issues and placed on a prescription kidney care diet. Since then, we monitored his condition closely with regular blood tests every few months.

We were careful with his diet, limiting additional protein and preparing home-cooked meals such as rice with vegetable-based soups, including cabbage, coriander, bok choy, pumpkin, and carrots, slow-cooked for nourishment. With consistent care and monitoring, his creatinine levels improved and remained within a safe range throughout his life.

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Solo's creatine level was within normal range after dietary intervention. This was one of his most recent blood test results before he passed on. With regular monitoring and homemade renal-friendly meals, his kidney values remained stable a testament to the love and vigilance we gave him every day.

Lifespan & Quality of Life
We understand that dogs like Solo typically have an average lifespan of 10–12 years. Through careful management of his health and diet, we always hoped to give him the longest and best quality of life possible. Every home-cooked meal, every blood test, every gentle walk was a promise to cherish him.

Vegetable-based soups: cabbage, coriander, bok choy, pumpkin, carrots
Creatinine within safe range for years

Grooming with Care

Initially, Solo was taken to professional groomers. However, after hearing concerning incidents, we decided to groom him ourselves so we could ensure his comfort and safety at all times.

Safe & Secure Forever

Because he always felt safe, Solo never showed aggression never bared his teeth or bit anyone. That was the power of unconditional love and respectful training.

Positive reinforcement only
Firm voice, no physical punishment
Regular car rides and new experiences

What Happened

Solo’s Medical Timeline

A detailed journey from first symptoms to diagnosis and the critical communication gaps in between.

Early May 2025

Solo developed persistent mouth chattering. We brought him to our regular veterinarian, who referred us to a dental specialist.

21 May 2025

We consulted the dental specialist, who recommended dental surgery as Solo had some infections due to teeth decay issues.

29 May 2025

Solo underwent dental surgery. However, after few months of recovery, the mouth chattering persisted. As there was no improvement, we decided to seek further opinions from other veterinary clinics.

10 October 2025

We brought Solo to Ace Vet Care Pte Ltd (Balestier Road) to seek a vet's opinion. During the consultation, the attending veterinarian advised that a CT scan be performed to rule out neurological causes, including the possibility of a brain-related condition. A referral was provided.

16 October 2025

Solo underwent a CT scan.

CT Scan Receipt

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29 October 2025

The CT scan report was completed and forwarded to Ace Vet Care.

31 October 2025

We attended a follow-up consultation with the Vet at Ace Vet Care to review the CT scan findings. During this consultation, we were informed that there were no significant concerns identified in the scan. Solo was prescribed Keppra to manage the symptoms, and a referral to a neurologist was suggested.

During this consultation, no CT findings requiring urgent further action were communicated to us.

20 December 2025

Solo developed difficulty eating. We returned to our regular veterinarian, where a large mass was identified at the back of his mouth. We were immediately referred to a specialist hospital.

24 December 2025

Solo was examined by a veterinary oncologist and underwent further imaging and a biopsy.

31 December 2025

We were informed that Solo had been diagnosed with advanced-stage oral malignant melanoma. The tumour was described as large (approximately 4.6 cm × 2.1 cm × 5.0 cm).

Due to its size and location, surgical removal was considered high-risk with possible heavy bleeding and difficulty of achieving clear margins. Other treatment options, such as radiation therapy and melanoma oral vaccines, were not available locally.

Solo's Discharge Letter & Tumour Images

Discharge Letter

Tumour (View 1)

Tumour (View 2)

Follow-Up Investigation

Review of CT Scan Findings

After Solo's diagnosis, we re-examined the original CT report and discovered critical details that were never communicated.

Following the diagnosis, we reviewed the original CT scan report dated 16 October 2025.

The report documented findings relating to the soft palate, including:

What the CT Report Documented

Abnormal soft tissue observations clearly noted in the report findings section.
Noted as having uncertain (equivocal) clinical significance the report explicitly flagged these findings as requiring clinical correlation.
With a possible neoplastic (tumour-related) cause indicated a potential malignancy was already part of the differential diagnosis in October 2025.

Click to enlarge — CT report findings

As we did not recall these findings being discussed during the 31 October 2025 consultation, we requested the notes taken by the veterinarian for clarification, specifically to verify what had been communicated to us during that visit.

Based on the documents provided by Ace Vet Care, we did not see any reference to discussion of the soft palate findings during that consultation.

Click to enlarge consultation notes (no record of soft palate discussion)

In addition, we reviewed our communication history with the clinic, including messages sent through their official WhatsApp channel.

We did not find any record of these findings being communicated to us through WhatsApp, SMS, email, or any other form of correspondence.

WhatsApp Email SMS Call logs Written records

Key Takeaway

The CT report from 16 October 2025 already contained red flags abnormal soft tissue, equivocal significance, possible neoplasia. Those findings were never explained, never documented in consultation notes, and never sent via WhatsApp, email or SMS.

Solo's family only discovered the true severity after it was too late. This is why we advocate for clear, documented communication in veterinary care.

Documenting Our Experience

We are sharing this timeline to document our experience and to highlight the importance of clear and comprehensive communication when reviewing diagnostic results.

Had the significance of the CT scan findings been communicated and properly explained to us, we would likely have looked into further tests, like a biopsy sooner, to get appropriate treatment for Solo. Because we did not have the information to make informed and educated decisions, we did not know to take further steps until the tumour grew to a massive size and by then, the available treatment options were significantly more limited.

In situations involving complex conditions, timely discussion of all findings including those that may be uncertain can be important in helping pet owners understand potential risks and consider appropriate next steps, including monitoring, further investigation, or early intervention.

What We Hope Pet Owners Will Do

We hope that by sharing Solo's case, other pet owners will feel encouraged to:

Ask for detailed explanations of all findings including uncertain or equivocal results
Clarify next steps and follow-up plans never leave a consultation without a clear action plan
Request a written summary or notes shortly after consultations, so that you have a clear understanding of the findings and recommended next steps. If your understanding of the discussion differs from what is reflected in the notes, seek clarification from the vet promptly.

Follow-up Actions

Following Solo's passing, I sought legal advice regarding the matter, and my lawyers subsequently issued formal letters to the clinic.

The clinic, through its lawyers, has denied liability. As explained above, we had reviewed both the communications and records provided to us by the clinic, and we did not identify any reference to the soft palate findings or discussion of further investigations beyond medication and referral to a neurologist.

Discussions took place on a possible settlement on terms of confidentiality, but I decided not to proceed as I wished to share my experience and reflections publicly.

Consultation Experience

During the follow-up consultation, the vet reviewed Solo's CT scan report and we were informed that there was no brain tumour and that everything appeared normal.

The vet recommended Keppra to manage Solo's teeth chattering. Given Solo's existing kidney issues, we were concerned about possible side effects and conducted our own research before declining the medication.

A referral to a neurologist was also suggested, but we were not informed that the referral was urgent. In the circumstances, we were left with the impression that it was reasonable to monitor Solo's condition without taking immediate further steps. Based on available information, we understood that dogs with mild seizure symptoms can still maintain a good quality of life.

No physical examination was conducted during this consultation. Although we had a copy of the CT scan report, we relied on the consultation with the vet to help us understand whether there were any serious findings or concerns requiring further follow-up.

Clear Communication

The importance of clear communication during medical consultations cannot be overstated. Every finding even those marked as "equivocal" deserves a conversation.

Understanding Diagnoses

The importance of pet owners understanding diagnostic findings and the vet's recommended next steps. Knowledge empowers timely action.

Written Records

The value of maintaining clear written records and consultation summaries, or requesting them from the clinic. If it's not documented, it's easy for critical details to be missed.

Emotional Toll

The emotional difficulty faced by pet owners navigating complex medical decisions, and the importance of full and clear explanations to allow pet owners to make informed decisions about their pet's care.

For Solo, and for every pet owner

This account is shared to encourage greater awareness, communication, and transparency in veterinary care. Solo's life mattered deeply, and by speaking openly, we hope no other family experiences the pain of discovering critical information too late.

In loving memory Solo, our Singapore Special

Trust is no substitute for proper communication. Solo's legacy is a call for clarity.

Help Other Pet Owners

Share Solo's story so no one else has to go through this heartbreak.

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Solo will always be remembered and deeply missed. His life mattered deeply to us, and by sharing his story, we hope to encourage greater awareness, stronger communication, and more informed decision-making among fellow pet owners.

In Loving Memory

2015 — 2026

In Loving Memory