Mast Cell Tumor

[reina]

My Reina had a lump on her rear leg and the Vet took some fluid out and said it was a mast cell tumor. I am so confused on what I am reading. She is scheduled for surgery on Monday to remove the tumor and then I will know what grade it is?? This lump was growing in size lately so we took her in, originally thinking it was probably just a mole like she had before and it was nothing. Now the guilt is setting in that I didn't take her sooner and have caused this. Are there any questions I should be asking the vet prior to her surgery? I can't think straight and have been crying at the thought of losing her. Reina's mom.

 

[Cami]

Now the guilt is setting in that I didn't take her sooner and have caused this.

There is nothing you could have done to cause the tumor nor anything time related that would change its outcome. MCT's can't morph into something they are not. A low grade can't jump to a higher grade even if it were to sit on the body for years. That being said, a tumor left untreated can cause allergy-like symptoms and wreak havoc on the dog. One of the contents of a MCT is histamine and this isn't something good to have in excess. Anything from a runny nose, itching, nausea, diarrhea and even heart issues can result. They can also grow DOWN into the body invading once previously healthy tissue and muscle. Higher grades can spread to organs. Fast growing tumors are more problematic. Not one that gets bigger TODAY but then shrinks tomorrow (or next week). Fast growing in as far as they just keep getting bigger and bigger. If this is a fairly new growth and it just started to get bigger (you didn't mention HOW big) then getting rid of it is probably your best option (either surgically removed or via another method). The tumor would need to be sent to a pathologist (lab) and a grade determined and margins inspected. After that you will have a better understanding of the prognosis and what if anything would need to happen next.
Hopefully your vet told you to start Benadryl (or similar) right away OR at minimum make 100% sure that a dose is given before surgery. Also ask about dosing after surgery during healing as the histamine invades healthy tissue surrounding the tumor and weakens it and healing is often delayed due to this. The antihistamine will help.
Once you get through the recovery start researching cancer starving diets and various protocols for long term care with a mast cell patient.

 

[reina]

Mast Cell

Thank you.. The tumor is about a size of a dime and raised. Yes, the vet gave her an injection of benadryl and now we are to give her 50mg x2 daily. She has had allergy issues her entire life (she will be 6 in Nov). We have always given her good food, Potato and duck is the only thing she wouldn't throw up. I will let you know how surgery goes on Monday. thanks again for your input it has helped. Reina's mom..

 

[bxrmomlksc]

Good Luck for your pups surgery monday, we will all be thinking of her and wishing her a speedy recovery.

 

[reina]

Reina's surgery status

Well as alot of you know, it is heart breaking to see your pet go through surgery, they can't tell you how they feel, and I melt when those eyes look at you. Reina came out of surgery well, she has a long incision on her inner thigh, the vet went as far as he could on the margins because of the lack of extra skin in that area. He said he believes it will come back as a Grade II, he said there was vascular activity that he is concerned about. Now keeping a boxer calm, that is a real challenge..Reina has a brother, so he keeps wanted to lick her stitches, she has a cone (and is not to happy about that). I am home with her today and my husband will take off work the next few days to be with her. Last night she had blood oozing out, which concerned me, but today no blood. she is a trooper, still need lots of prayers for her recovery and hope no stitches break open, the vet said if they do she will be looking at more surgery. Once I go back to work I will have to separate the two boxers and that won't be easy,they are inseparable!! Thanks again for all your well wishes. Reina's mom and reina too.

 

[Cami]

Hoping for a speedy recovery and a positive pathology report.

 

[reina]

Pathology report

Reina's Mast Cell tumor came back Grade II but with clear margins. so now we have to get a consultation with a cancer specialist to get more info. she is doing well, but not without a few extra trips to the vet after surgery, bleeding issues, seems ok now, the inside of the upper right leg, guess is a bad area, keeping her calm is a challenge especially now being day 5 she is feeling better. another week yet before stitches come out.
thanks for all of your prayers.
Reina's mom