An 11-year-old boxer named Benson, who appeared on a recent episode of The Yorkshire Vet, has died months after filming, his owner Andrew confirmed on social media.
Benson was brought to the Sandbeck Veterinary Centre by his owner Andrew after a lump was discovered on his front left paw. During the episode, Julian Norton examined the growth and noted it felt "quite big" for its location. "I mean, there are a few things about it that make it worrisome," the vet said.
Cancerous growth removed
Julian described the lump as "as big as the end of your thumb, really" and noted it had likely grown quickly. He explained that boxers can develop certain types of tumours that "are not very nice." Benson was soon prepped for surgery, and Julian successfully removed the lump.
Later, Julian revealed the growth was confirmed as a mast cell tumour, a common problem in boxers. "This one is a relatively low-grade cancer, but nonetheless, it's certainly something that is better not attached to his leg," he said. "So, it was definitely the right thing to take off. He can resume his job at the fish and chip shop, which I understand is his happy place."
Heartbreaking update
Commenting on a Yorkshire Vet Facebook post, Andrew wrote: "My gorgeous boy Benson... this was filmed in June last year, he went over rainbow bridge in November.. we miss him terribly."
Fans flooded the post with messages of support. One wrote: "So very sorry for the loss of your bonny lad. Run free, Benson," alongside crying emojis. Another added: "So sorry for your loss of your furbaby, may be Rip." A third said: "So sorry for your loss," while a fourth fan wrote: "Sweet dreams little man." Someone else echoed the sentiment: "Was so sad to hear that the lovely boxer Benson that was on last weeks show had crossed the bridge. He was a gorgeous boy."
Other moments from the episode
Elsewhere during the episode, Rohin Aojula treated a 20-year-old alpaca with a nasty eye problem and visited a wonderland of winter woollies spun from the herd's fleeces. Peter Wright also faced a challenging lambing.
The Yorkshire Vet airs Thursday nights at 8pm on Channel 5.
