~Anne~

What is the dosage he is on ?

Boofy is not being medicated. My decision, in consultation with my vet and an oncologist, was to monitor only. The oncologist believed that as the MCTs were all only grade 1 or 2 that we would be medicating potentially for nothing. They are not immediately life threatening or even a determination of definite early death. We cannot determine what the lesions on the spleen are without further risky surgery. Boof will be 11 next month. He's undergone more than 5 surgeries since December last year, several tests and several ultrasounds. I'd prefer to monitor him only at this stage rather than put him through further risky procedures. The average lifespan of a pug is only 13 years. I'm not sure we would gain too many more years putting him through potentially unnecessary procedures. If his situation changes, as a team we will reconsider our options. MCTs are not always dire. All aspects of each individual dog needs to be taken into consideration. Life expectancy of dogs with low grade tumours is quite good.

The ataxia will normally settle. Being a pug, Monte's ataxia was more clearly shown in his tail. Normally curled on a pugs back, his was always hanging in a half curl down his bum. Monte never really suffered from aggravation. He was incredibly restless though his whole life due to the Pb and paced a lot.

It must be so hard for you watching him go through this.

Maeybe, is a dog ever clear of MCTs ? As you know, they can keep popping up. Boof's first was about 4 years ago, however the majority have been diagnosed over the last 12 months. He has had 6 tumours so far. The last was in April. He has a possible tumour (or 2) on his spleen which is evident in ultrasounds. Follow up ultrasounds have shown it has remained at a similar size. We've taken a wait and see approach and to monitor by ultrasounds rather than cut him open and do pathology on the lesions.

Does anyone know what the (OR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.81-2.86) means?

Maeby, I'm sorry to upset you. I'm not sayng you're wrong or your specialists are. As you know, I also own several pugs, one that is also battling tumours and with a tumour also on his spleen, and I am seeking more information just to satisfy my own peace of mind. If they are risk, then I'd to know. When it comes to your pug, haven't they all been low grade tumours or am I thinking of someone else? If they are low grade, he has a great life expectancy and your specialists I am sure have reassured you of this. I understand that it is a very worriesome time for you and you would be best trying to focus on the positives when you can.

Wait, I've found one! An extract from a book called Withrow and MacEwan's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. I can't copy and paste but it does say that pugs are at an increased risk. It also says that the prevalence in particular breeds suggests a genetic link. If anyone can quote the paragraph up here I'd be grateful.

I've been trying to find information about prevelance in pugs for MCTs and this is a collection of what I have found; National Canine Cancer Foundation. www.wearethecure.org Veterinary Partner.com Animal Health Trust www.aht.org.uk This one has a statistical collection from several countries and is quite interesting although it is talking about mortality rates and not just diagnoses; ISRN Veterinary Science http://www.hindawi.com/isrn/veterinary.science/2013/941275/ I'm yet to find anything that even mentions the pug. However, that isn't to to say that there isn't a genetic link in the breed or a higher than normal representation of MCTs in the breed.

I just saw this resource on Facebook that may be of help to people needing assistance with pets. Individuals list their own details and you contact them direct. https://www.facebook.com/nswemergencypetevacuation?ref=ts&fref=ts

Sometimes owners just need a little education and support. I'm sure the staff assessed the situation thoroughly before releasing him.

Krystalandcoco, try www.rfs.org.au Local Police Facebook pages are usually known by their local area command name ie if there was a Doyalson one it would be Doyalson LAC.

I'm not so sure it's what I would term 'good news'. Given that it started on his head I am guessing it is demodectic mange. If so, his breeder needs to be informed because demodectic mange is attributable to a weakened immune system and they should cease breeding from that line. Your dog should not be used for breeding either. Dogs that have mange of this type are likely to have reoccurrences over their life also. All (or most) dogs carry these mites. In a dog with a normal immune system, the mites are kept under control. In dogs with compromised immune systems, the mites take hold and multiply rapidly resulting in the hair loss that you've noticed and the itching.

I've rehomed deaf and blind pugs without a worry and they weren't even pups. I usually had just as many applications, and sometimes more, for the dogs needing particular care. Being a pup, fluffy and white will increase his chances tenfold. Besides which, having been born without his eyes I'd imagine he will adapt in no time to a new home.

I just read on FB that Murphy's Cattery (Tomago area) are offering free boarding to cats from the fire areas of Tomago/Heatherbrae. A lovely generous offer!

He will rehome in a flash. There are many people out there who like dogs with 'disabilities' for varying reasons. Some feel like they're saving them, some understand they can give them expertise or dedication.

Maeby - You contradicted yourself saying you haven't made a link but then saying your oncologist said its genetic. I understand your angst. You're not the only pug owner battling MCTs. When I asked about genetic links I was informed there were none.

Although I can see why you have made a link between MCTs and pugs, there is no evidence to suggest it is genetic. In fact, I am not even sure that the prevalence of mast cell tumours is noticeably higher in the pug.

I think this comment is a doozy. What a crock of shit. He was trying to protect his brand. Good on the purchaser for not agreeing to it. I wonder if he could hold back the compensation using such a clause anyway?

Yes, it looks like mange and he's been scratching and rubbing himself a lot. So sad. Glad he's getting help. If it sarcoptic mange, it isn't linked to the immune system.

Thanks. It works now. :) Typo:; If your vet removes a tumour from you dog, it should always be sent to the laboratory for testing. A good vet will always advise you this needs to be done to ensure that it is not cancerous.

YouTube link doesn't work?

Wow, fabulous! I usually refer to a us canine cancer site and to have a more local one is FANTASTIC!

It depends on how quickly their liver (?) filters the anaesthetic in their system. I learned this after a rescue bitch I had in took ages to wake up too.

My take on it is that they want to move to the Shire and they are still in QLD. They are also g for pet sitting opportunities in the shire so they get 'free rent' so to speak so they can manage the relocation... maybe look for a rental while they are living in someone else's house pettsitting etc. I could be wrong though. :laugh: