dogbesotted Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 IDWT.. now that is sounding like a sensible and well thought out plan. Good luck for Thursday Helen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muttaburra Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Thanks Helen, I really appreciate your encouragement. We go there at 8.30 in the morning, but I don't know if that means he is first on the list or will be waiting his turn. The Vet said he was pretty good for his age, 8yo, his teeth very good, and overall quite sound, she said he had a good relaxed heartbeat too. He's had surgery before, after being attacked by a dog, so as far as I know he handles the anaesthetic and recovery ok. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staffyluv Posted January 6, 2009 Author Share Posted January 6, 2009 re speaking with vet do as much research as possible and go in armed to the back teeth.. write your questions down before hand so you do not get side tracked etc .. make notes of answers if you like, get copies of lab reports. 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muttaburra Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Staffyluv, thanks so much for your support and being there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muttaburra Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 Hi again. Well Maxi has pulled through the surgery ok. The suspect lump on his chest/shoulder removed with whatever margins that could be managed, deep muscle and jugular obviously could not be removed. Showed with onsite cytology to be possible mast cell but not definitive or showing either diff or undiff cells. Both vets checked it. Will need to get the pathology back to get a definite analysis of what was found. The vet noticed after shaving his chest that he had a few little scabby things, that need to keep an eye on. She gave anitihistamine prior to surgery and seems to be up with all the latest mast cell procedures and has done recent cytology workshop etc. Elbow, smallish mole thingy, no mast cells or suspicious looking cells, removed with some margin, due to being where it might get bumped a lot. Small 1 cm limpoma on chest wall, behind front leg, needle aspirated and came out looking like fatty cells, not removed. So no definite answers yet, but I am glad he has had it removed. It's just not the same without him being around here, so looking forward to picking him up soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogbesotted Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 Phew!!!!! have been thinking of you all day. Just got in. Cautiously optimistic about everything.. sounds like you have a good vet. Now all we need is a clear path report or at the worst one with delightfully clear margins Helen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staffyluv Posted January 8, 2009 Author Share Posted January 8, 2009 That all sounds pretty positive. We will just keep everything crossed for clear margins on the suspect lump. Keep us posted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muttaburra Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 Thanks for all your encouragement, yes cautiously optimistic and hoping for confirmation of clear margins. Poor Maxi, I picked him up late this afternoon, very sooky indeed. Big wound sites and stitches too (he's only a little bloke), so looks dramatic, I guess there will be some pain too. Anyway I had to carry him up all the stairs, and when he arrived he took himself off to his bed. I gave him a little nibble of vegimite toast, then half hour later a bit of milk and water (his favourite treat). It took him a couple of tries, but he has now toileted, opened bowels etc, and is a lot more comfortable. Later he had a couple of kibbles then a full dinner, he was really hungry. He is now up on the bed burrowed under the polar fleece blanket resting comfortably, and seems to be managing getting up and down on his own. He's got 5 days of antibiotics too just in case, then goes back in 10 for stitches out, unless something else needs looking at before hand. It's so good to have my littel furbaby back home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gemstone Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 Thanks for all your encouragement, yes cautiously optimistic and hoping for confirmation of clear margins.Poor Maxi, I picked him up late this afternoon, very sooky indeed. Big wound sites and stitches too (he's only a little bloke), so looks dramatic, I guess there will be some pain too. Anyway I had to carry him up all the stairs, and when he arrived he took himself off to his bed. I gave him a little nibble of vegimite toast, then half hour later a bit of milk and water (his favourite treat). It took him a couple of tries, but he has now toileted, opened bowels etc, and is a lot more comfortable. Later he had a couple of kibbles then a full dinner, he was really hungry. He is now up on the bed burrowed under the polar fleece blanket resting comfortably, and seems to be managing getting up and down on his own. He's got 5 days of antibiotics too just in case, then goes back in 10 for stitches out, unless something else needs looking at before hand. It's so good to have my littel furbaby back home. been thinking about you and Maxi - good to hear he is back home (and being spoilt by the sound of things) here's hoping for some good news when you get the results. take care both of you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muttaburra Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 been thinking about you and Maxi - good to hear he is back home (and being spoilt by the sound of things)here's hoping for some good news when you get the results. take care both of you Thanks RMC, its good to have him home and he is back to his usual self today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staffyluv Posted January 9, 2009 Author Share Posted January 9, 2009 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogbesotted Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 (edited) Just checking in to ask how my favourite staffy is doing Helen Edited January 19, 2009 by dogbesotted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staffyluv Posted January 19, 2009 Author Share Posted January 19, 2009 (edited) He is great thanks H. He spent a lot of the weekend playing with the hose while we watered in the new garden. The rest of the day he spends in front of the air conditioner - he is great, he lets you know when it needs to be turned on Right now he is laying in the kitchen watching his steak cook under the griller How is Miss L doing? Hope the heat is not too much for her... EFS Edited January 19, 2009 by Staffyluv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogbesotted Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 grilled steak.. how pawfect!!!!!! lol Miss Lucinda is managing the past two days have been much cooler and so not so hard for her to stay comfortable. She has lost a lot of strength over the past month amd has great difficulty getting those back legs to work properly - off and on- so now she stays next door at night if she chooses.... It is too hard to ask her to get up on command. she is still cheerful, and when she does get about has loads of fun.... we are just taking each day as it come tho.. I think we have arrived at that stage... H Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staffyluv Posted January 26, 2009 Author Share Posted January 26, 2009 Mmm, yeah. He likes grilled steak, BBQ chicken or pan fried salmon or tuna steaks, thanks very much. he is fussy with his veges these days too and I know it can't be a complete diet but he won't eat anything but sweet potato and zucchin at the moment and has been like it for a while. He does have yoghurt and flaxseed oil as a supplement (with fish oil, milk thistle and vitamin C). But I have maintained for three years now, we don't know how much longer he will be with us, so give him what he wants - boy did I make a thorn for my side when I started that (and it is now 3 years later). It is so hard to put your foot down when he has been spoilt for so long. He is happy as larry laying on the lounge in front of the air con today (watching cricket with OH). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muttaburra Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 The results are back and it is good news. It is cutaneous lymphocytosis (a bit of a generalised term) but the information was specific - this one is benign in nature and non-metasticising and nothing suspicious around the margins. This particualr form can occur if a dog has contact allergies, which Maxi has (to Plumbago and some plants and grasses). There were some mast cells at low density and within normal bounds for this kind of cyst. So as you can imagine I am very relieved. It was certainly a weird looking thing that underwent changes, and I am glad I had it removed. I suppose the only way to get good pathology is to send the cyst off (when a needle aspiration is inconclusive), and not much point taking away a suss lump without taking margins, so it worked out ok. It's wonderful to have this thread here, and hear of the progress of all the dogs and what loving owners they have. Thanks to everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogbesotted Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 IDWT.. always love to hear good news!!!! Cheers Helen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gemstone Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 what a relief!! so happy for you - great news Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staffyluv Posted February 2, 2009 Author Share Posted February 2, 2009 The results are back and it is good news. It is cutaneous lymphocytosis (a bit of a generalised term) but the information was specific - this one is benign in nature and non-metasticising and nothing suspicious around the margins. This particualr form can occur if a dog has contact allergies, which Maxi has (to Plumbago and some plants and grasses). There were some mast cells at low density and within normal bounds for this kind of cyst. So as you can imagine I am very relieved. It was certainly a weird looking thing that underwent changes, and I am glad I had it removed. I suppose the only way to get good pathology is to send the cyst off (when a needle aspiration is inconclusive), and not much point taking away a suss lump without taking margins, so it worked out ok. It's wonderful to have this thread here, and hear of the progress of all the dogs and what loving owners they have. Thanks to everyone. That is fantastic news IDWT... Congrats. I am so happy for you... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muttaburra Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Thanks for the well wishes. I just popped in here to see how your dogs are all doing. Wishing you all many good days ahead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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