questions about CANCER

[TT's Mom]

I've been reading alot of posts about cancer (lymposarcoma, mast cell tumors etc.) My fawn boy is 2 1/2 y/o and I am so worried about him, as I have seen many posts that people have written about there babies being sick and they did'nt even know anything was wrong.
Is there anything that I can ask the vet to do (bloodwork,x-rays) to help to see if my boy is healthy? If so, how often should we do these things? I did'nt know if there is any special protocol to follow in regard to boxer health. (You know, like humans are supposed to get mammograms every year, are boxers supposed to get ekg's or bloodwork every year?) I check him everyday for lumps (or swollen lymph nodes, though I don't know where all the lymph nodes are located), but I'm not sure if there are any special places that I should be looking...
Thank you in advance for any advice or sites that might help...
Cara & TT

 

[Beausolei]

I am not an authority but heres what I know, or at least think I know. I have been told by my vet that neutering helps reduce the risk, especially if both testicles don't drop. Also have your vet check for a third one which is rare, but does happen in something like 1 in 300. I don't know all he lymph areas either, sorry. Ask your vet, I'm sure he/she will be more than happy to tell you that info, and probably without even a visit. If it were me I would call and say whats on my mind and ask for some advice. If your vet is worth a dam they should have no problem divulging info for any conern you have.

Andy, Stella, Beau, and Bitsy

 

[craZ4HERKIE]

It sounds to me that you are like the rest of us....we worry about something that MIGHT happen...even though it hasn't happened yet!You sound like a very good Mommy, and I would enjoy every day to the fullest with your baby.But if your worried that your baby is not completely healthy...or you just want to make sure...ask your vet.I know there are probably tests that they can do to rule out things!Or he/she may just be able to give you some peace of mind just by speaking to them!

 

[swatman]

Cara,
There are tests that can be done, many of which wont be cocnclusive by themselves and are usually only run when there is a problem. I lost Gunther at 5 1/2 to Alimentary Lymphoma (GI type) and would have needed exploritory surgery and a full biopsy of the alimentary lymph node to completely diagnose. I wouldn't worry so much about the what ifs, it takes too much energy and wont allow you to fully enjoy your baby, with all that worrying. CBC's (blood work-ups) can and usually do allow vets to start being able to diagnose lymphoma. High white and platelette counts are not good. You can feel swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck area, but if you feel them swollen and its not and infection and in fact it is lymphoma, it is too late since lymphoma is always fatal, even if it can be put off a few months with chemo. In our case you cant feel swolen alimentary lymph nodes. Worrying about something that you can have no control over is very difficult. I have a pup and struggle with that too especially after my awful experience this summer. Other cancers, mast cells ect. I know less about and some are very treatable especilly if caught early, I would say when examining you baby for ticks, cuts ect get to know his body and what belongs or doesn't. Enjoy your boxer and I'm sure he'll be fine.
Mike
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Gunther (1999-2004) beautiful flashy brindle male waiting at the bridge
Jacquets Ramos 7 mo old cropped/docke flashy brindle male s/d