Damn Dog.....

[pixiegirl]

So Mily has a small lump on her side that I had hoped was just a fatty tumor. Mk took her to the vet yesterday to have a biopsy done to make sure.... No such luck, it's a mast cell tumor. When inspecting her head to toe last night after getting the news I found what's probably another one that's really small.

Couple things.

Does anyone have any experience with this? I've read just about everything online that I can read concerning it but would like some personal experiences.

Second, does anyone have a vet recommendation. I don't want to "shoot the messenger" but I'm completely unhappy with how her current vet handled the entire situation. First of all the appointment was in the morning and we had to call in the evening for results. I understand that they can get busy and that sometimes things can get delayed but the fact that we had to call them for the results rubbed me the wrong way. She also gave no details and being uneducated on it we weren't prepared with any questions. She said, there were mast cells, it's a form of skin cancer, the tumor needs to be removed, we'll call you back with a quote for surgery. After hitting the internet for more information I see there's different stages which corelate to prognosis, reoccurance, etc. Tell me something! Lastly, about 45 minutes later the tech calls with the quote, between $1000-$1200. I was fully prepared for it to be expensive but when you can spay an animal for $400, removing a tumor that's just under the skin shouldn't be anywhere near that amount. I just really feel like the diagnosis was handled poorly and that the price is inflated. So, do you have a vet that you love? I'm an emotional wreck and could use some compassion and someone to explain things to me. Cost isn't a problem; I feel like the price we were quoted was inflated but if that's what it costs and it's explained to me I have no problem paying whatever it costs.

 

[cattitude]

Pix,

I went through this with Biscuit just a year ago. I have a TON of information and would be happy to talk with you.

I went to Annapolis first but decided on Cats & Dogs in Bowie, where Biscuit's cardiologist is. Dr. Snakard is the surgeon and is fantastic. He did not need any chemo, etc...just surgery.

First and foremost...get her on a raw diet or one with as little carbs as possible. Have you started the benedryl and pepcid?

Dogs&Cats Veterinary Referral

 

[cattitude]

And...it is much more than skin cancer.

 

[ICit]

Pix,

I went through this with Biscuit just a year ago. I have a TON of information and would be happy to talk with you.

I went to Annapolis first but decided on Cats & Dogs in Bowie, where Biscuit's cardiologist is. Dr. Snakard is the surgeon and is fantastic. He did not need any chemo, etc...just surgery.

First and foremost...get her on a raw diet or one with as little carbs as possible. Have you started the benedryl and pepcid?

Dogs&Cats Veterinary Referral

. (catt.... but pixies dog is allergic to EVERYTHING.. really! )

Pix.. I would talk with Dogs and Cats

 

[Cowgirl]

Aww, I'm sorry Pixie.

 

[cattitude]

. (catt.... but pixies dog is allergic to EVERYTHING.. really! )

Pix.. I would talk with Dogs and Cats

Yeah, I know but carbs feed the cancer.

I'm the mast cell expert..believe me.

 

[ICit]

Yeah, I know but carbs feed the cancer.

I'm the mast cell expert..believe me.

I know... but we have to figure what to do for her....

poor girl has tired raw, many different food, and even cooking for her dog... and I think has now found something her dog can eat.

she needs a non protein (meat) diet.. more like a veggie diet

 

[pixiegirl]

Pix,

I went through this with Biscuit just a year ago. I have a TON of information and would be happy to talk with you.

I went to Annapolis first but decided on Cats & Dogs in Bowie, where Biscuit's cardiologist is. Dr. Snakard is the surgeon and is fantastic. He did not need any chemo, etc...just surgery.

First and foremost...get her on a raw diet or one with as little carbs as possible. Have you started the benedryl and pepcid?

Dogs&Cats Veterinary Referral

And...it is much more than skin cancer.

Thanks. I remember that it wasn't as simple as skin cancer from years ago. She is on a vegetarian kibble because she's over the past several months become intolerant of all meats and fish. She was on Natural Balance fish and potato for years and I tried to switch her to Orijen because it was a better quality food. She didn't take well to it and never took back to the Natural Balance fish. We made her just about everything that we could, tried the premade raw diets and finally tried vegetarian kibble. I'm scared to do a vegetarian raw diet for fear she won't get enough protein. I need a vet that can give me some guidance. All that being said, the food intolerances, skin allergies, I have to think that they probably go hand in hand with the mast cell tumors. I need guidance.

I did read online last night about the benadryl so I gave her some. I didn't see anything about the pepcid though. What's it do? Dosing guidelines?

 

[cattitude]

Thanks. I remember that it wasn't as simple as skin cancer from years ago. She is on a vegetarian kibble because she's over the past several months become intolerant of all meats and fish. She was on Natural Balance fish and potato for years and I tried to switch her to Orijen because it was a better quality food. She didn't take well to it and never took back to the Natural Balance fish. We made her just about everything that we could, tried the premade raw diets and finally tried vegetarian kibble. I'm scared to do a vegetarian raw diet for fear she won't get enough protein. I need a vet that can give me some guidance. All that being said, the food intolerances, skin allergies, I have to think that they probably go hand in hand with the mast cell tumors. I need guidance.

I did read online last night about the benadryl so I gave her some. I didn't see anything about the pepcid though. What's it do? Dosing guidelines?

The mast cell tumor is all about histimines. I can't recall the dosing..but Biscuit got 50 mg morning and 50 mg evening for Bendryl and 20 mgs pepcid. This will slow the tumor growth and stop the release of histimines which can cause spreading. Although to get an accurate cytology (which is preliminary to an actual biopsy) the vet will want you to stop the meds a week or so prior, probably, but you can discuss this.

Where is the tumor? You will want to get cytology done on the tumor AND any lymph nodes in the area. She is probably going to need a sonogram on her belly because it is not uncommon for the spleen to be involved and they need to know this prior to surgery. Thankfully, Biscuit's spleen was clear.

Depending on location, the surgeon will take a very large margin around the tumor. The operation is difficult and needs to be performed by somebody that KNOWS what they are doing because if the tumor is nicked, it will spread. They will probably also want to remove the lymph node(s) that are close to the tumor site.

PF animal hospital did the initial cytology on Biscuit's lymph node..they gave him a death sentence practically. They didn't send it out though, it was just looked at on a slide. The cytology proved that his lymph node was reactive, not involved, which means it did have mast cells in it but it was just the same as our lymph nodes swell when fighting an infection. This is why it is important to get to a vet who is very well versed in the mast cell tumor and the surgery.

Biscuit had a tumor the size of a quarter on his neck..and his incision was HUGE. $1,200 is probably not going to cut it or even be close.

I cannot recommend Dr. Snakard (female) and the staff at Bowie Dogs & Cats enough. I've been going there for 6 years for Biscuit's cardiology issues and they are FANTASTIC. Dr. Snakard will explain everything very thoroughly. Dr. Arrington is the oncologist. She was there for the initial consult but after the biopsies came back, Biscuit's margins were good and the lymph node was confirmed reactive, so he didn't need any follow-up treatment. The care he received there was outstanding.

 

[TurboK9]

Damn.

Sorry Pix, that really sucks.

I hope it all works out OK. Glad Catt and ICit have your back. I don't know anything about mast cell whatsits myself. All I can say is I hope it all works out in a good way.

 

[cattitude]

Also...sometimes surgery isn't necessary or the best way to go. There are some studies at various hospitals for cancer drugs. However, from my research and consulting with two oncologists, those drugs are most often for the severe cases and only offer a few more months.

 

[pixiegirl]

The mast cell tumor is all about histimines. I can't recall the dosing..but Biscuit got 50 mg morning and 50 mg evening for Bendryl and 20 mgs pepcid. This will slow the tumor growth and stop the release of histimines which can cause spreading. Although to get an accurate cytology (which is preliminary to an actual biopsy) the vet will want you to stop the meds a week or so prior, probably, but you can discuss this.

Where is the tumor? You will want to get cytology done on the tumor AND any lymph nodes in the area. She is probably going to need a sonogram on her belly because it is not uncommon for the spleen to be involved and they need to know this prior to surgery. Thankfully, Biscuit's spleen was clear.

Depending on location, the surgeon will take a very large margin around the tumor. The operation is difficult and needs to be performed by somebody that KNOWS what they are doing because if the tumor is nicked, it will spread. They will probably also want to remove the lymph node(s) that are close to the tumor site.

PF animal hospital did the initial cytology on Biscuit's lymph node..they gave him a death sentence practically. They didn't send it out though, it was just looked at on a slide. The cytology proved that his lymph node was reactive, not involved, which means it did have mast cells in it but it was just the same as our lymph nodes swell when fighting an infection. This is why it is important to get to a vet who is very well versed in the mast cell tumor and the surgery.

Biscuit had a tumor the size of a quarter on his neck..and his incision was HUGE. $1,200 is probably not going to cut it or even be close.

I cannot recommend Dr. Snakard (female) and the staff at Bowie Dogs & Cats enough. I've been going there for 6 years for Biscuit's cardiology issues and they are FANTASTIC. Dr. Snakard will explain everything very thoroughly. Dr. Arrington is the oncologist. She was there for the initial consult but after the biopsies came back, Biscuit's margins were good and the lymph node was confirmed reactive, so he didn't need any follow-up treatment. The care he received there was outstanding.

It's on her side, down towards the belly. It's about half the size of a quarter and oval in shape.

I was totally unprepared for this. I had myself convinced that it was just a fatty lump. I recall something about if a lump feels smooth under the skin it's typically fat and if it feels rough it's likely bad. I just wasn't ready for bad news.

 

[frequentflier]

It's on her side, down towards the belly. It's about half the size of a quarter and oval in shape.

I was totally unprepared for this. I had myself convinced that it was just a fatty lump. I recall something about if a lump feels smooth under the skin it's typically fat and if it feels rough it's likely bad. I just wasn't ready for bad news.

 

[cattitude]

It's on her side, down towards the belly. It's about half the size of a quarter and oval in shape.

I was totally unprepared for this. I had myself convinced that it was just a fatty lump. I recall something about if a lump feels smooth under the skin it's typically fat and if it feels rough it's likely bad. I just wasn't ready for bad news.

And don't be fooled if it goes away..that is typical behavior of a mast cell tumor.

Let me know if you need anything.

 

[pixiegirl]

Also...sometimes surgery isn't necessary or the best way to go. There are some studies at various hospitals for cancer drugs. However, from my research and consulting with two oncologists, those drugs are most often for the severe cases and only offer a few more months.

That's another thing that irritated me. The jump to surgery and no further testing to see if everything on the inside is good. What good does hacking off a lump on the outside do if the insides are all jacked up?

I've only had one dog that didn't live to old age. I guess you take that for granted and expect all your animals will.

 

[cattitude]

I've only had one dog that didn't live to old age. I guess you take that for granted and expect all your animals will.

Keep your head up. I was hysterical for weeks, was on the internet constantly between hugging Biscuit and crying everytime I looked at him.

Chasey went with me to Annapolis for the first consult but I just didn't get a good feeling from them and they were so matter of fact with Biscuit...no bedside manner for me or him.

Dogs & Cats was different...they love Biscuit. They are very, very thorough and explain things two times, if not more.

 

[pixiegirl]

Keep your head up. I was hysterical for weeks, was on the internet constantly between hugging Biscuit and crying everytime I looked at him.

Chasey went with me to Annapolis for the first consult but I just didn't get a good feeling from them and they were so matter of fact with Biscuit...no bedside manner for me or him.

Dogs & Cats was different...they love Biscuit. They are very, very thorough and explain things two times, if not more.

Trying not to cry at work isn't fun. The picture of her at my desk doesn't help.

Thank you.

 

[PrepH4U]

Pixie
Catt is right about the cancer diet. I had to do it with my rottie about 6-7 yrs ago. His tumor showed up on Thanksgiving, after biopsy vet told us Mo would be lucky to still be with us at Christmas. He told me about researching the cancer diet, Mo loved it and without medical intervention he stayed with us until late spring.
Good luck, treatment has improved so much!

 

[ICit]

Keep your head up. I was hysterical for weeks, was on the internet constantly between hugging Biscuit and crying everytime I looked at him.

Chasey went with me to Annapolis for the first consult but I just didn't get a good feeling from them and they were so matter of fact with Biscuit...no bedside manner for me or him.

Dogs & Cats was different...they love Biscuit. They are very, very thorough and explain things two times, if not more.

Pixie... I have been there as well with my dog.. for her heart... and Dr B was great (catt has seen him also)

They are wonderful there!!! I have a friend that works there and she love it. I would refer anyone there in a heartbeat!!

Lean on Catt... she has lived thru this... GOD BLESS HER AND BISCUIT!

 

[ICit]

Trying not to cry at work isn't fun. The picture of her at my desk doesn't help.

Thank you.

OOHHHH I WANT TO COME AND GIVE YOU A BIG ....

glad you know we are here for ya!!