Mast Cell Cancer

[feistylady]

Was the prognosis for Matey today. I haven't been offered chemo etc as he is 14. At the moment like pugmum said, he still appears healthy and pain free and is eating well.

I am seeking alternate therapy knowing this is no cure but may give us a little extra time, putting off the inviteable I guess. The tumour is on the bottom of his paw so I will keep cleaning and dressing daily as I have been. I have him on meat and veg only and fish raw x 2 weekly. Still giving him a raw egg twice weekly and 2 fish oil caps and Garlic daily

Any other advice would be appreciated.

Michelle

[Pugmum]

Was the prognosis for Matey today. I haven't been offered chemo etc as he is 14. At the moment like pugmum said, he still appears healthy and pain free and is eating well.

I am seeking alternate therapy knowing this is no cure but may give us a little extra time, putting off the inviteable I guess. The tumour is on the bottom of his paw so I will keep cleaning and dressing daily as I have been. I have him on meat and veg only and fish raw x 2 weekly. Still giving him a raw egg twice weekly and 2 fish oil caps and Garlic daily

Any other advice would be appreciated.

Michelle

Hi Michelle,

Sorry to hear about Matey - its the pits

I see you are in SA too - I'm struggling to find anything but conventional vets here. I heard Marni's Herbal had a pet specialist and I went there the other day. I didn't see the person I went to see, but I was seriously disapointed with the attitide and service I got (or didn't get to be more precise). So, I'm winging it. I have Maggie on Essiac tea twice a day. Its apparently meant to help with tumours, but basically detoxes so that the body can put more into repairing itself.

As you'd be aware, the internet can be a great source of information - but theres no guarantee that anything you read is correct. The reason i am going with the essiac is because my sister in laws dog was diagnosed with cancer on her tonsils that spread and was apparetnly untreatable. She used essiac and the dog lived for 5 more years. This was a while ago - most likely before they were treating any dogs for cancer here.

At worst the essiac should make Maggie feel well and help keep her healthy. See what you think, or maybe give the correct person at Marni's a visit and see if they can recommend some supplements, it was there that they recommended essiac for my SIL years ago.

best wishes,

Brigitte (pugmum)

Edited March 15, 2010 by Pugmum

[feistylady]

Was the prognosis for Matey today. I haven't been offered chemo etc as he is 14. At the moment like pugmum said, he still appears healthy and pain free and is eating well.

I am seeking alternate therapy knowing this is no cure but may give us a little extra time, putting off the inviteable I guess. The tumour is on the bottom of his paw so I will keep cleaning and dressing daily as I have been. I have him on meat and veg only and fish raw x 2 weekly. Still giving him a raw egg twice weekly and 2 fish oil caps and Garlic daily

Any other advice would be appreciated.

Michelle

Hi Michelle,

Sorry to hear about Matey - its the pits

I see you are in SA too - I'm struggling to find anything but conventional vets here. I heard Marni's Herbal had a pet specialist and I went there the other day. I didn't see the person I went to see, but I was seriously disapointed with the attitide and service I got (or didn't get to be more precise). So, I'm winging it. I have Maggie on Essiac tea twice a day. Its apparently meant to help with tumours, but basically detoxes so that the body can put more into repairing itself.

As you'd be aware, the internet can be a great source of information - but theres no guarantee that anything you read is correct. The reason i am going with the essiac is because my sister in laws dog was diagnosed with cancer on her tonsils that spread and was apparetnly untreatable. She used essiac and the dog lived for 5 more years. This was a while ago - most likely before they were treating any dogs for cancer here.

At worst the essiac should make Maggie feel well and help keep her healthy. See what you think, or maybe give the correct person at Marni's a visit and see if they can recommend some supplements, it was there that they recommended essiac for my SIL years ago.

best wishes,

Brigitte (pugmum)

Hi Brigitte,

Thankyou so much for your kind words, I feel in a dreadful conundrum atm The tumour is growing very large and weepy since the biopsy I am bathing daily as I have all along,putting medi-honey on a dressing applying and then bandaging. I have to tape a clean sock on top to keep the little devil from licking it off, actually I think he likes the honey LOL. I contacted a homeopathic company recommended to me by a friend and have ordered with their advice the product with these herbs etc in.

"I prepare a specific herbal Mast Cell Cancer support mixture of concentrated extracts of: Bladderack, Comfrey, Dandelion, Golden Seal, Parsley, Rosehips and Violet Leaves along with appropriate Bach Flower Remedies.

This mix is given in conjunction with my Super Antioxident Maritime Pine Bark Antioxidant and together they have the potential to slow down and reverse the development of Mast Cell Cancer bringing it into remission"

I am going to research essiac and will see if I can give it in conjunction with this. I am waiting also for a friend a Registered Nurse who was fantastic in clearing up shocking leg ulcer wounds in the elderly and then left to study veterinary science.

My other worry is I am going in for a major shoulder op early April and I don't know if my daughter could take over the dressings Anyhoo I am following as close as I can the Cancer diet recommended here. We virtually carry Matey everywhere he needs to go, outside and feeding etc I might add he is lapping this up.He still appears not to be in pain,is eating very well.

Will fill you in when I have more news. Thankyou again.

[Staffyluv]

What was the diagnosis? Mast Cell Grade 1/2/3 - did they remove the tumour? if so was there clear margins? Is there only 1 tumour site? did they check the lymph nodes closest to the tumour?

Sorry for all the questions but it is easier to answer if we know what the dog has been dxd with :D

There is no reason why the dog cannot do chemo at 14 IMO - but the vet may have a reason other than age, I would ask.

Grade 1 is usually fine with just removal of the tumour, grade 2 can act like a grade 1 or a grade 3 depending on the tumour... Grade 3 if removed can also be OK (if clear margins are obtained)... However the chance of recurrence is higher with grade 3 than with grade 1.

Limit carbs, carbs feeds cancer. Veg is fine but no pasta, rice, cereals or grains.

If no surgery and chemo is out, see an holistic vet to get chinese herbs and supplements. Vitamin C is a wonderful tonic for dogs and was the first thing Ollie was put on - 1000mg a day... Flax is a good oil to give - we use it with cottage cheese or yoghurt...

Read Ollie's thread if you have not had a chance - there is heaps of info in there. He is MCT grade 2, no clear margins on excision and already systemic (it was in his lymph nodes closest to the tumour site)... He was initially give 12-18 months.. it has been 5 years in October/November this year.. He had aggressive chemo at 8 years old for 6 months as has been treated holistically since diagnosed with supplements and herbs...

MCT can do very well...

[Jesterbelle]

Hi Michelle,

So sorry to hear about Matey's diagnosis it really is the pits and your head is in a whirl trying to deal with it all and trying so hard for your baby to be doing the very best for them as quickly as possible.

Is Matey's paw the only tumour or are others suspected. Can I ask exactly what your vet has recommended any suggestion of surgery at all? Or radiation to shrink the tumour if this is at all possible.

Staffyluv has a wonderful insight and experience with MCT and is just so wonderfully willing to share her experience and opinions. She was my lifeline of support when my crisis was happening.

I have posted my journey with Vada today with her MCT and I have another stafford that was recently diagnosed with another type of tumour on her leg that radiation and maybe amputation may be a consideration.

Best wishes and hugs to you and Matey

[feistylady]

What was the diagnosis? Mast Cell Grade 1/2/3 - did they remove the tumour? if so was there clear margins? Is there only 1 tumour site? did they check the lymph nodes closest to the tumour?

The tumour is on the bottom totally now on the paw of his left back leg, it was not removed the vet I saw said it could not be removed from there ?? Diagnosis from biopsy; Aggressive Mast cell carcinoma may have already travelled up his leg. No mention of checking Lymph nodes. No category grade given.

Sorry for all the questions but it is easier to answer if we know what the dog has been dxd with

There is no reason why the dog cannot do chemo at 14 IMO - but the vet may have a reason other than age, I would ask.

Personally I think the vet was annoyed with me because I had left it a couple of weeks while trying to, what I thought was to remove possibly an ingrown grass seed, so is my fault. She stated if it is cancer we will euthanase, if it is benign we will remove the leg. This had totally thrown me , no mention at all other than to put him down if it was cancer. When a different vet told me the report last Friday I was so upset I asked no questions and still havent.

Grade 1 is usually fine with just removal of the tumour, grade 2 can act like a grade 1 or a grade 3 depending on the tumour... Grade 3 if removed can also be OK (if clear margins are obtained)... However the chance of recurrence is higher with grade 3 than with grade 1.

Limit carbs, carbs feeds cancer. Veg is fine but no pasta, rice, cereals or grains.

Have followed this since reading Ollies post and also fresh fish and Sardines, egg cooked and raw, Fish oil supplement.

If no surgery and chemo is out, see an holistic vet to get chinese herbs and supplements. Vitamin C is a wonderful tonic for dogs and was the first thing Ollie was put on - 1000mg a day... Flax is a good oil to give - we use it with cottage cheese or yoghurt...

Will get the Vit C and flax, I also am now thinking that I will go and get another vets opinion

Read Ollie's thread if you have not had a chance - there is heaps of info in there. He is MCT grade 2, no clear margins on excision and already systemic (it was in his lymph nodes closest to the tumour site)... He was initially give 12-18 months.. it has been 5 years in October/November this year.. He had aggressive chemo at 8 years old for 6 months as has been treated holistically since diagnosed with supplements and herbs...

MCT can do very well...

Thankyou for your advice I am so very grateful

[feistylady]

Hi Michelle,

So sorry to hear about Matey's diagnosis it really is the pits and your head is in a whirl trying to deal with it all and trying so hard for your baby to be doing the very best for them as quickly as possible.

Is Matey's paw the only tumour or are others suspected. Can I ask exactly what your vet has recommended any suggestion of surgery at all? Or radiation to shrink the tumour if this is at all possible.

Hi Jesterbelle, have answered more questions in Staffyluvs post, I have not been told or noticed any more lumps and I have certainly looked and felt was not offered radiation.

Staffyluv has a wonderful insight and experience with MCT and is just so wonderfully willing to share her experience and opinions. She was my lifeline of support when my crisis was happening.

I have posted my journey with Vada today with her MCT and I have another stafford that was recently diagnosed with another type of tumour on her leg that radiation and maybe amputation may be a consideration.

Best wishes and hugs to you and Matey

Thankyou for your help and kind words

[Staffyluv]

What was the diagnosis? Mast Cell Grade 1/2/3 - did they remove the tumour? if so was there clear margins? Is there only 1 tumour site? did they check the lymph nodes closest to the tumour?

The tumour is on the bottom totally now on the paw of his left back leg, it was not removed the vet I saw said it could not be removed from there ?? Diagnosis from biopsy; Aggressive Mast cell carcinoma may have already travelled up his leg. No mention of checking Lymph nodes. No category grade given.

Sorry for all the questions but it is easier to answer if we know what the dog has been dxd with

There is no reason why the dog cannot do chemo at 14 IMO - but the vet may have a reason other than age, I would ask.

Personally I think the vet was annoyed with me because I had left it a couple of weeks while trying to, what I thought was to remove possibly an ingrown grass seed, so is my fault. She stated if it is cancer we will euthanase, if it is benign we will remove the leg. This had totally thrown me , no mention at all other than to put him down if it was cancer. When a different vet told me the report last Friday I was so upset I asked no questions and still havent.

Grade 1 is usually fine with just removal of the tumour, grade 2 can act like a grade 1 or a grade 3 depending on the tumour... Grade 3 if removed can also be OK (if clear margins are obtained)... However the chance of recurrence is higher with grade 3 than with grade 1.

Limit carbs, carbs feeds cancer. Veg is fine but no pasta, rice, cereals or grains.

Have followed this since reading Ollies post and also fresh fish and Sardines, egg cooked and raw, Fish oil supplement.

If no surgery and chemo is out, see an holistic vet to get chinese herbs and supplements. Vitamin C is a wonderful tonic for dogs and was the first thing Ollie was put on - 1000mg a day... Flax is a good oil to give - we use it with cottage cheese or yoghurt...

Will get the Vit C and flax, I also am now thinking that I will go and get another vets opinion

Read Ollie's thread if you have not had a chance - there is heaps of info in there. He is MCT grade 2, no clear margins on excision and already systemic (it was in his lymph nodes closest to the tumour site)... He was initially give 12-18 months.. it has been 5 years in October/November this year.. He had aggressive chemo at 8 years old for 6 months as has been treated holistically since diagnosed with supplements and herbs...

MCT can do very well...

Thankyou for your advice I am so very grateful

Firstly - NOT YOUR FAULT... Don't do that to yourself... And don't let anyone else make you feel like that. These things happen and the tumour was probably there much longer than you realise.

I don't think they can grade it without removing it or at least taking a full biopsy of the tumour (a decent chunk)... So harder to treat not knowing for sure but not impossible

A vet should not ever be annoyed with you or make you feel like that. I would be getting a second opinion from a different vet. I would also be seeing an holistic vet - ask in the general section for a recommendation of one in your area. There are some really great ones out there.

MCT often comes up in the hind end of the dog - most of Ollie's tumours to start with were on his rump and in the back section (he now has lots and they are everywhere)... If it is aggressive (and to be honest, without a biopsy, they can't know that - so the vet should not say things like that to you).. I guess we were really lucky with our vet, he was open to all my questions and if he did not have an answer would get back to me after he researched it, sometimes at 8pm at night.

You will have lots of questions once the shock wears off - believe me, I know I did... Ask about diet, treatment options if surgery is not an option - chemo or radiation (so long as it is not systemic - in the lymph system).. Chemo does the whole system and radiation just targets an aggressive tumour. Supplements to keep the dog pain free if needed, what is available? How long does he think the dog has (if you want to know) based on his diagnosis? What will happen if you treat with this or that or just let the cancer run its course?

If the vet you are seeing has not offered any form of treatment options, once again, I would be looking elsewhere if possible. Check out google for anti cancer dog diets - diet alone can make a huge difference.

Happy to help

[Mooper]

I'm sorry to hear this, feisty

I don't know where you are in SA, but if there are other vets around I would seek another (third?) opinion. From what you've said it seems like many assumptions have been made and few definitive tests. My first thought was whether amputation is an option if the lymph nodes and bloods are all good, but I'm not a vet.

My Jack had a grade three MCT removed from his right-hand side just in front of his leg. They took a massive chunk of flesh with it, tested the margins and they got the whole tumour On the outside, it was the size of a pea, but the flesh they took was the size of half a cricket ball.

Jack's tumour was removed in October '07 and, touch wood, we haven't seen any more of the nasties. He's 10yo now.

I hope you can get another opinion and a prognosis. Until then, you're doing all the right things

[Pugmum]

I am in Adelaide and my litle pug is having treatment for bladder cancer (her first chemo is today) I was told that radiation therapy is not available here, but I could be referred interstate if I wanted it for Maggie. Checking the radiation results for bladder cancer I declined as it is not as successful as a combo of chemo and piroxicam.

Michelle - can you get a referral to the Adelaide Specialist and Referral Centre - Dr David Davies ? He is their canine specialist, and very good. If anything can be done I'm sure he's the one for you. Any vet should be able to refer you. The centre is at 102 Magill Road, Norwood. Ph 8132 0533. with parking on the premises.

I didn't realise previoulsy that you had not been given specialist advice.

[feistylady]

I cannot thankyou all enough for helping clear my mind. I have made a appointment with another vet for Saturday morning and the receptionist seemed very puzzled by what I told her as to my limited to nothing choices and info. She will of course contact the other vet to get the results. I knew that I just could not go back to that other vet no matter which decision I made I had felt so terribly uncomfortable. I live in the Mid-North of SA so it is harder to get to town than the norm, have also looked up holistic vets none near us but have written info re Pugmum for the specialist centre in Adelaide.

Rest assured this time I am going in armed with the right questions, helpfully given to me by you all. If I have to make that awful decision then at least I feel I have tried.

My thoughts are with you today Pugmum and little Maggie Hugz.

[Staffyluv]

I cannot thankyou all enough for helping clear my mind. I have made a appointment with another vet for Saturday morning and the receptionist seemed very puzzled by what I told her as to my limited to nothing choices and info. She will of course contact the other vet to get the results. I knew that I just could not go back to that other vet no matter which decision I made I had felt so terribly uncomfortable. I live in the Mid-North of SA so it is harder to get to town than the norm, have also looked up holistic vets none near us but have written info re Pugmum for the specialist centre in Adelaide.

Rest assured this time I am going in armed with the right questions, helpfully given to me by you all. If I have to make that awful decision then at least I feel I have tried.

My thoughts are with you today Pugmum and little Maggie Hugz.

We are in Canberra and dealt with All Natural Vet Care in Sydney via email, phone and fax - worked out great for us. Our vet used to fax them all Ollie's results and they treated him from a distance... I talked to them on the phone, explaining what was going on, how he was, what he ate etc and they planned all his supplements based on the info supplied by me, the vet and the canine oncologist - who just happened to be in Brisbane... Rod Straw is an amazing man and has a great team to help him (oncologist)...

Good luck and keep us updated

[Pepi]

I know of a alternative medicine vet in Adelaide but ive never been in to see him, so cant say how good or bad he is.

Here is the link here:

http://www.holisticvetonline.com/hvc/

I hope this can be of help to you.

[feistylady]

I know of a alternative medicine vet in Adelaide but ive never been in to see him, so cant say how good or bad he is.

Here is the link here:

http://www.holisticvetonline.com/hvc/

I hope this can be of help to you.

Thankyou pepi, although I have it only showing in NSW although you can have phone advice.

Care - Contact Us

Holistic Vet Online, for Alternative Animal treatment

Contact us:

Dr Douglas Wilson

BVM&S PhD MACVSc VetMFHom CertIAVH

The HolisticVetOnline

5a Leone Court

Lismore Heights

NSW 2480

Telephone: +61 4 1752 5131

Fax: +61 2 6624 2584

Website: HolisticVetOnline

Email: [email protected]

Skype: holisticvetonline

[feistylady]

I cannot thankyou all enough for helping clear my mind. I have made a appointment with another vet for Saturday morning and the receptionist seemed very puzzled by what I told her as to my limited to nothing choices and info. She will of course contact the other vet to get the results. I knew that I just could not go back to that other vet no matter which decision I made I had felt so terribly uncomfortable. I live in the Mid-North of SA so it is harder to get to town than the norm, have also looked up holistic vets none near us but have written info re Pugmum for the specialist centre in Adelaide.

Rest assured this time I am going in armed with the right questions, helpfully given to me by you all. If I have to make that awful decision then at least I feel I have tried.

My thoughts are with you today Pugmum and little Maggie Hugz.

We are in Canberra and dealt with All Natural Vet Care in Sydney via email, phone and fax - worked out great for us. Our vet used to fax them all Ollie's results and they treated him from a distance... I talked to them on the phone, explaining what was going on, how he was, what he ate etc and they planned all his supplements based on the info supplied by me, the vet and the canine oncologist - who just happened to be in Brisbane... Rod Straw is an amazing man and has a great team to help him (oncologist)...

Good luck and keep us updated

Ah yes just Googled another good option at least I can see some positive alternate directions now. Thankyou will kep you all posted

[Pepi]

I know of a alternative medicine vet in Adelaide but ive never been in to see him, so cant say how good or bad he is.

Here is the link here:

http://www.holisticvetonline.com/hvc/

I hope this can be of help to you.

Thankyou pepi, although I have it only showing in NSW although you can have phone advice.

Care - Contact Us

Holistic Vet Online, for Alternative Animal treatment

Contact us:

Dr Douglas Wilson

BVM&S PhD MACVSc VetMFHom CertIAVH

The HolisticVetOnline

5a Leone Court

Lismore Heights

NSW 2480

Telephone: +61 4 1752 5131

Fax: +61 2 6624 2584

Website: HolisticVetOnline

Email: [email protected]

Skype: holisticvetonline

Hi,

Not sure why it is showing those contact details as he is in Adelaide. 308 Glen Osmond Road Fullarton.

Try this link.

http://www.goroad.com.au/holistic-veterina...ic-shop-96.html

Edited March 18, 2010 by Pepi

[aussielover]

Your vet sounds very insensitive and rude!

Euthanasia vs amputation- don't sound like great options to me and then to make you feel bad- well thats just terrible!

I can't believe they didn't bother with staging and grading. Also, Doggie chemo is not like human chemo- the doses used are much, much lower. The aim of the chemo is NOT cure, so it causes less adverse effects than chemo in humans does. So you might still consider it, it may buy some more time without compromising quality of life.

[feistylady]

Your vet sounds very insensitive and rude!

Euthanasia vs amputation- don't sound like great options to me and then to make you feel bad- well thats just terrible!

I can't believe they didn't bother with staging and grading. Also, Doggie chemo is not like human chemo- the doses used are much, much lower. The aim of the chemo is NOT cure, so it causes less adverse effects than chemo in humans does. So you might still consider it, it may buy some more time without compromising quality of life.

Thankyou Aussielover and of course they are now no longer my vet, about to post on todays new vet visit.

[feistylady]

Todays new vet very friendly, very helpful and above all compassionate.

Matey,s MCT is grade 2, the lymph nodes in the groin very swollen another result that I cannot remember what it was called he was a 9 and I think should be around a 5.

We went through all the options at least twice, she agreed that while he is eating , drinking etc and there is no blood in his faeces and taking into account he appeared stress free, which told her he is not in unbearable pain as I had hoped that she could fully understand me not wanting to put him to sleep. Her estimate without treatment 2 months. Her concern was putting him through a OP to remove the leg and she told me of a similar situation where she did lose the dog under anaesthetic but asked me not to let this sway my decision.

I have chosen to bring Matey home while he still has a reasonable quality of life, he is on pain meds daily which can be increased when needed. I asked for a antibiotic injection to fight against septicemia and meds which I start tomorrow.

I thankfully was on the ball with my dressings although I asked to purchase some of the NO Chew dressing she had used . Jelonet was the antibacterial dressing she applied first today and then I will carry on with Melolin which is a no stick dressing pad.

I received my holistic drops yesterday, so onwards we go but as soon as I know all is not well then I will know it is time.

[feistylady]

I have posted a different topic under general for trying to get mateys antibiotic down I am just not having any luck