2nd Mast Cell Tumor in as many weeks...

[Apollo1025]

Apollo had a Mast Cell Tumor removed on his neuticles (Precipuce?) on the 15th of July (You can see my other post below) It came back a Grade 2, with clean edges and the Vet wasn't concerned.

He went back in on the 26th for his stitches to be removed and to be checked out to make sure that the tumor hadn't spread. We did a chest X-Ray and a Buffy Coat Smear to make sure he had no masses in his lungs or Mast Cells in his blood. Both came back clear.

While there we also had another mass aspirated that we had found after the first surgery on the front of his neck. There were cells present, so it was sent to the lab. I received a call from the Vet this morning and it is a Mast Cell and needs to be removed. He will probably go in tomorrow. She has also recommended speaking to an oncologist at this point. We are also going to have his lymph nodes aspirated to make sure he doesn't have Mast Cells there.

Have any of you had this happen? Have one removed and then a second one so quickly after. I don't even know what to ask the oncologist or the vet at this point. I hate putting him back under the anesthesia and surgery so quickly again, it has to put a strain on him, but I know we have to get it done quickly so it doesn't spread.

If anyone has a list of things to ask, either the Vet or the Oncologist it would be appreciated, or experience first hand with this.

 

[spud's mum]

I haven't had any experience of this but I just wanted to say how sorry I am that you're having to go through this. Having to deal with one mast cell is worrying enough, without another so soon. Sending lots of positive vibes your way and hope that you get a good result from the surgery.

 

[magsp]

Although I do have experience with Mast Cell tumors in my dogs, I have not yet had experience with multiple tumors, however I have heard it is really common. What I can tell you is that dogs that have had one tumor in the past are likely to develop more in the future. As long as the new tumor is in a separate location, it should not affect prognosis. It is not considered to be metastatic disease -- i.e. that the cancer has spread. It is considered to be an entirely new tumor in a new site. The main thing that I have been told to watch for is the tumor regrowing at the old site (in your case the prepuce). That DOES affect prognosis. I have met people at my vet oncologist's office whose dogs have had many, many mast cell tumors removed over time. The important things are: no regrowth at the original tumor site, tumor grade, and whether or not it has spread. I have also read that new mast cell tumors in a dog that has had them before will often carry the same tumor grade, so if Apollo's tumor was a grade II before, it is likely that it will be a II again. I'm not sure if that is really scientifically sound or not, but just thought I'd pass it along. As long as you find them quickly and have them removed completely, he should be fine.

Good luck to you.

 

[Jan]

I afraid that I don't have any experience either. Markus never had cancer. I just wanted to send some positive vibes Apollo's way. Think positive!

 

[Austin's Mom]

Sorry Apollo has to have another surgery. Let us know how it goes.

 

[Slobber Baby]

Sending Apollo slobbery kisses and healthy vibes from Bubba, Bella and myself..keep us posted..

Laura

 

[Apollo1025]

Thanks to everyone who has responded. I have scheduled to drop Apollo off at the Vet tomorrow at 8 am to have surgery.

We are checking him over today to make sure that he doesn't have any other lumps that we're missing. (I doubt he does, we've always been very good at checking him for lumps and bumps) My sister flew in on Saturday for vacation and I'll have her check too. I think he's going to be happy with all the petting and love he'll get this afternoon. A fresh set of eyes (or hands) never hurts. Luckily she'll also be around this week as he recovers.

I'm staying positive, everything I've read seems to be a good indication that he'll be fine. He has no symptoms described on the websites I've read, and his CBC, Buffy Coat and XRays all came back clean.

I've got my food coloring markers ready to go to mark up his bumps, and bright lipstick to leave a kiss on his head when I drop him off. I'm just happy that he loves the people at the vet. I'll post an update tomorrow.

 

[Mom2tyson]

Hope all goes well and Apollo has a quick recovery. Tyson and I send healthy vibes for both of you, keep us posted.

 

[Apollo1025]

Apollo made it through the surgery alright, but it seems as if this recovery may take a bit more than the one two weeks ago.

They had to give him a shot for the pain once he woke up because they said he was absolutely pitiful. I believe it. He has a three inch incision just under his neck running vertical towards his chest. I feel pain just looking at it. They also had a difficult time aspirating his lymph nodes because he's heavy, so they mae numerous attempts before they were successful. As a result they have said that he may be bruised and very sore in that shoulder.

He cried from the moment I picked him up and continued to do so all night, only stopping when he was so tired he fell asleep. It makes me feel terrible to have put him through this, but I know it needed to be done.

The Vet put a rush on the samples and we should have results back by Monday. The lymph nodes looked clear, but she did say she's being cautiously optimistic as she could have missed something.

I'll let you know the results when we get them.

 

[Austin's Mom]

I'm so sorry Apollo had such a hard time of it. Hopefully you'll get good news from the biopsy. Please give him a gentle hug for me and tell him to feel better soon.