Staffyluv

I agree, I have never really understood the wait and see option when the symptoms have been there over a week. Good luck with the surgery. Let us know how you go.

Aren't they amazing - look how quick he is back to himself. My old man plays on it a bit these days because he knows that someone will come running if he does the yelp for help (as we call it)... So glad he is on the mend already. The incisions and stitches are scary when they are going for clear margins - I remember Ollies big one run from the top of his rump to just above his hock when they were removing the original one. He had, six incisions the first time and I think over 40 stitches from multiple tumour sites - it was horrible. Looking forward to the good news on clear margins soon

That all sounds pretty positive. We will just keep everything crossed for clear margins on the suspect lump. Keep us posted

I would be getting it checked for a medical condition. Perhaps a thyroid problem. After Ollie's chemo he put on about 4kg and nothing I did would remove it and the vet was getting frustrated with me and telling me not to feed him so much, when I explained I had him down to 100g of chicken and some veges and he was still gaining weight, he decided to do some blood work which revealed that his thyroid had all but stopped working. Ollie was exhausted most of the time too. He could only walk a short way before he had to rest. If there is no medical condition, I would be pretty up front about the possibility of diabetes, heart problems, joint issues and the pain of trying to walk around with a body that is big enough for 2 dogs and the myriad of other diseases that follow fat dogs and suggest that the best weight for a cav is only 8kg... The poor dog must be so uncomfortable. Just tell her that you have her dogs best interest at heart and this is what your vet told you about Stella.

I am so sorry ShellyBeggs. Goodbye ANZAC, run free

If the dogs diet is suffient in all ways then the one a day would suffice. My boy gets 2 x 1000mg a day and he also has flaxseed oil on cottage cheese every second day for health too. That is a good price for them, might have to go and check it out tomorrow.

Helen, it's very heartening to hear that Lucinda is doing so well. Up until yesterday, I knew nothing about Mast Cell Tumors, although I had heard of them I had never taken the time to learn about them. Maxis lump does not resemble a Hemangioma. The lump is perfectly spherical, sits well above the surface of the skin, and appears to have a fine mebrane over it, there is no normal skin layer or hair over it. Thanks for the clarification Staffyluv, re: the antihistamine, I will mention it to the vet anyway. I am beginning to wonder if a fine needle aspirate, then in-clinic assessment, then sending the sample away would be better, but wouldn't a biopsy need to be done to get conclusive results? This could confirm MCT or any other kind of irregular growth and whether benign or not. But when I weigh this up against the characteristics of the lump, how it gets bigger and smaller, and what I am learning about MCT, it certainly seems suspicous. Therefore going straight in and removing lump and margins, in a fairly accessable region of Maxis body, where there is plenty of loose skin and tissue, to compensate for tissue removal, then sending the whole sample with margins away for pathology, would be more conclusive, in terms of incomplete/complete lump removal and indicate more clearly the next step that would need to be taken. I spoke to another practice to get an overview of how they handle this kind of thing, and while doing a needle aspriation is common, I was advised that with most obviously suspicious growths, the vet often recommends removal straight away. With the other Lipoma type lump, it is very ambiguous, and would not rush to remove it at all, however will certainly be anxious to get the result of the needle aspiration, and if positive for MCT will give a go ahead for removal. I'm just trying to get it clear in my mind so that I can respond quickly and make informed decisions. If the surgery was more radical and on a less accessable part of Maxis body, I would think more conservatively. An aspirate will confirm if it is in fact MCT - they can see the cells under the microscope quite clearly. If it were my dog - I would be requesting aspirates on both lumps (the vet can tell straight away if they are fatty cells - lipoma or MCT cells) then you can make an informed decision as to where to go to next. Removal if and MCT and possible and depending on where the lipoma is and if it is pressing on any organs etc will determine if it needs to be removed. Biopsy is not really necessary if the aspirate confirms MCT/lipoma. In saying that, pathology done after the removal of an MCT is very relevant because it will ascertain if clear margins have been successful. Biopsy is more required with a lot of other cancers/tumours but the aspirate should give an indication if it is MCT and then you can go ahead with surgery if required. When Ollie was first dxd I was under the impression that MCT was a death sentence (Ollie was originally given 12-18 months and it is now 3 years since he was dxd) - I have since discovered thanks to Helen, Lucinda and Ollie that does not have to be the case. Diagnosis, treatment, diet and general care makes the world of difference and many dogs live with MCT to a ripe old age. Chin up, I know it is hard at the moment - the unknowing is the hardest part. We will be here to help and support if it comes to it. hugs Jodie

Good idea Helen, I completely forgot about this happening - Ollie had the same thing when they went back the second time to try for clear margins. IDWT talk to your vet first as Helen has suggested to get their opinion.

Poor darling - my old stafford does not really like the dark much. A night light is a good idea ( we have one in the hallway for our old man). All vets should be able to needle aspirate and it is much less invasive than a full biopsy (and cheaper). I would ask for it - our old staffy has Mast Cell Cancer and he has tumours aspirated all the time, just to see if they are tumours or lipomas. The vet just sticks a needle into the lump and sucks out a few of the cells (our old man just stands there while it is done). the vet looks at the cells under his microscope and can see if they are MCTs or fat cells - if in doubt they can send the cells away on a slide for confirmation but I think most are clued up enough to know from this procedure if surgery is required or not. When you go back to the vets just ask about the 'flea droppings'. Our lad has never had a flea in his life, so I don't even know what it looks like. Good luck at the vets

I have an old stafford who has cancer and he has 1000mg twice a day (morning and night). I think this is a good dose. I use the same one as Delkerabo.

I am sorry but I have to agree with the others - get rid of the Pal (that stuff is God awful for producing gas in dogs - once when Ollie was constipated we used Pal puppy food to cure him). I would also remove the rice and pasta - dogs cannot digest grains so it sits in the digestive system until it is pooped out (another gas causing agent). Potato is not that good either (sorry, don't mean to pick on your dogs diet as it has worked for you up until now). Pumpkin, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, beans etc are great with meat (I prefer to use real meat, not that pet mince stuff - we use human grade and often organic meats for our old boy). There may even be an underlying gut problem, try giving chicken and some light veges for a few days, along with some yoghurt and or cottage cheese (couple of tablespoons) with flaxseed oil (just a teaspoon) - all good gut things to help with an upset tummy. If it persists and it is unusual for the dog to smell that bad, I would consider a trip to the vets for a check up. Good luck - they can be smelly can't they

IDWT, I would wait and see before I start antihistamines. I don't think they need to be knocked out for a needle aspirate - Ollie has them done while he is just standing there on the table and they don't seem to bother him at all. Hopefully it will just be a mole or a wart that has become a bit infected. I am in Canberra, so don't know many Sydney Vets - I know of a good one called Jason Pollard I think he has a couple of surgeries butnot sure where they are - pretty sure he is on the north side though. I have only heard good things about this man, so maybe he can help. Perhpas ask in the General forum for a good vet - most are happy to recommend a vet they have had a good experience with. I would recommend our wonderful vet but he is a bit far for you to travel. There is also All Natural Vet Care in Russell Lea on Lyons Road up that way. ANVC Link Good luck Edited for spelling

I am sorry to hear of Kiza's diagnosis. I guess that is what the conventional vet has suggested, just wait it out. Have you consulted an holistic vet at all? I have a 12 year old stafford with a different cancer but according to the canine oncologist and out own vet, he should have been dead about 18 months ago. He is on an anit cancer diet and has been treated holistically with herbs, lotions and potions and he is still very much here. I am not saying the same would happen with your girl but you may be able to make her more comfortable and buy some more time with her, if you have the correct treatment. Good luck and I am sure you will enjoy every moment she remains in your life.

Sorry to hear that IDWT - everything crossed for a fatty lump. Personally I would have insisted on a needle aspirate to confirm MCT before going the the trouble of trying for clear margins without knowing what you are looking at but I am not a vet, I just know what my vet does. I think all lumps should be aspirated - because one of Ollie's MCTs was thought to be a lipoma and turned out to be MCT in a place that they could not possible get clear margins (on the front of his throat). The anti cancer diet is amazing - I don't follow it to the letter anymore but we use the main foods. With MCT, I do believe that the combination of surgery, chemo and holistic therapy is what has given Ollie so much more time than even the canine oncologist thought possible. ALthough not cured (he still has MCTs) he is enjoying what our vet likes to call the longest remission in the history of MCT There is a link to the canine cancer diet in the rotty thread somewhere - I will have a look for you tomorrow Good luck with your pooch and let us know how you go.

If it is a mass, I don't understand why the vet did not do a fine needle aspirate straight away? This is usually the first thing a vet does, even before antibiotics - if it is a tumour of some kind then the antibiotics would be pointless. Not saying it is a tumour, just that to check a lump it would be more beneficial to do a aspirate first. Fingers crossed for your pooch

Jules, dogs cannot digest grains so it probably ferments in their tummies until it is passed - so I would say, yes these foods will make dogs burp and fart for that matter. If you are after a filler for dogs with their meat, just mush up some veges - sweet spud and pumkin are both good fillers (especially if you are watching their weight). IMO (and both the vet and holistic practioner) dogs should not be given rice and pasta...

Goodbye Sinna, run free at the bridge old girl. Griff I am so very sorry you had to say goodbye to Sinna Hugs Jodie and Ollie dog

That is really lovely - this story has been around for years.

rmc, I just posted in your palliative care thread. Ollie is nearly 12 and just had a GA so they could remove a lipoma that was about the size of a large orange. Our wonderful vet did blood tests, checked his heart and lung function and also a urine test and said that for a dog with cancer, he is fine If Callie is well enough there is no reason that she can't have a GA.

Hope the little one gets through it OK - that sounds about right for a blockage removal. Good wishes

Thanks so much Helen, you have been a tower of strength these past 3 years (yep it has been that long) with Ollies MCT and other stuff. He is under the Christmas tree because someone sent one of the kids a box of something that obviously smells good and he can't stay away from it. Every time I get the camera he growls at me and leaves the room - I don't think he likes having his photo taken

Rest in peace Lucy. I am sorry for your loss

The lad has his stitches out yesterday and went to the park (because the vet said it was OK to go now). He loved it. He has not had a walk for two weeks and I think he pee'd on every vertical object in the park He was very tired after and slept most of the day away but came round late yesterday when everyone came home from work - he is bouncing off the walls at the moment. It just makes my heart sing when I see him so happy. Thanks for all the support during yet another trying time with Ollie dog

I am so sorry Weeacre Rest in peace Cam

How very sad for you and your family. Rest in peace young man...