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Mast cell tumor

Jakesmum

Well-Known Member
So Jake has some lumps and bumps, one was really concerning me and I had his dermatologist sent some samples for a biopsy. 3 came back as benign cysts, but the one that was really concerning me came back as a mast cell tumor. I'm waiting for a call from our vet to see about getting it removed and further testing done to see what stage it's at. I'm hoping that we caught it early enough that they can just remove it and that's it. With everything we've had to go through with his health this is just one more heartbreak to have to deal with. If anyone has any advice or suggestions on how to deal with this please let me know.
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
Jakesmum, MCTs are one of the boxers biggest issues unfortunately. Where is it located? Expect them to take a large margin area around the tumor. You want the margins to be as clean as possible. I'm going to give you a link. I strongly believe in starting a regimen of benadryl and tagamet. Are there any specific questions you have? Please keep us updated and I'll be keeping you guys in my thoughts.

Here's that link:

http://www.bavariasboxers.com/cancer.htm
 

Jakesmum

Well-Known Member
I'm so sorry to hear that. But the good news is that you did catch it. Jake will be in my prayers. I hope everything goes well
Jakesmum, MCTs are one of the boxers biggest issues unfortunately. Where is it located? Expect them to take a large margin area around the tumor. You want the margins to be as clean as possible. I'm going to give you a link. I strongly believe in starting a regimen of benadryl and tagamet. Are there any specific questions you have? Please keep us updated and I'll be keeping you guys in my thoughts.

Here's that link:

http://www.bavariasboxers.com/cancer.htm
Thank you both. I will take a look at that link. I can't think straight right now to know what questions I have. It is on his right front leg opposite his dew claw, it's just under 1/2 inch in diameter. Our vet said they'd be taking a large margin around it to make sure they get it. I heard a bit about the Benadryl, but I'll look into tagament and talk to our vet as well. Because of the other medications he's already on I just need to make sure that nothing will interact badly with anything else. He is scheduled tomorrow to have it removed.
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
Thank you both. I will take a look at that link. I can't think straight right now to know what questions I have. It is on his right front leg opposite his dew claw, it's just under 1/2 inch in diameter. Our vet said they'd be taking a large margin around it to make sure they get it. I heard a bit about the Benadryl, but I'll look into tagament and talk to our vet as well. Because of the other medications he's already on I just need to make sure that nothing will interact badly with anything else. He is scheduled tomorrow to have it removed.

I forgot that he's on meds. I hope that the benadryl and tagamet is an option for you. I've been in boxers for over 20 years and I've seen nothing but good results. Many vets don't know about the tagamet, so definitely do your own research so you can really discuss it with your vet. But later. After the surgery. You have time. My thoughts will be with you tomorrow. I'll be crossing everything that they get clean margins. Please update when you can, and again after they grade it. Hugs.
 

Jakesmum

Well-Known Member
I just heard from the vet, he is out of surgery and doing well. She said they got really good margins around it, but being where it is (just opposite the dew claw) there is a risk of the stitches not holding, she's fairly confident that it will hold, we just need to limit his activity which really isn't an issue with him. I'm going to stay home with him tomorrow to watch him and make sure he's alright. Now it's just waiting for the results of the biopsy and hoping for the best there.
 

Jakesmum

Well-Known Member
Was thinking about Jake. How's he doing?
He is doing well. He had a rough evening on Tuesday after the anesthetic. He doesn't come out of it well and whined and cried until about 9, then started to rest. Slept all day yesterday and by last night you'd never know that anything happened to him, he was back to his goofy self. He's home on his own today with his giant cone, I suspect he'll sleep all day which he usually does. Tonight I take the bandage off and then will see what I'm dealing with for an incision. Still waiting for the biopsy, but it's only been 2 days. Thank you for asking and thinking about him.
 

Jakesmum

Well-Known Member
Just an update on the results of the biopsy. I heard from our vet on Saturday and it has come back as a low grade stage 2 mast cell tumor. It is non aggressive and with this type of diagnosis the life expectancy is approximately 2 years. I take that with a grain of salt because no-one can predict how long you'll live, but regardless of that it will bring him within the life expectancy for the breed. There is the risk that the tumor may grow back so it's something that we have to watch for, because of where it is she couldn't get a large margin around it. He's healing well and isn't bothering his stitches at all so all in all I am so pleased to have my happy puppy back and bouncing around (for as much as he truly expends energy bouncing around) and will treasure every moment of the next couple of years that I have with him.
 

April Nicole

Well-Known Member
Your right , no one can tell you how long someone is going to live! That goes for dogs too. My grandfather was told he had 6 months to a year. And he lived another 7. But as you said 2 years would put him at what his life expectancy is anyhow.... Glad he is feeling better. And playing like a pup! Enjoy every moment :)
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
Just an update on the results of the biopsy. I heard from our vet on Saturday and it has come back as a low grade stage 2 mast cell tumor. It is non aggressive and with this type of diagnosis the life expectancy is approximately 2 years. I take that with a grain of salt because no-one can predict how long you'll live, but regardless of that it will bring him within the life expectancy for the breed. There is the risk that the tumor may grow back so it's something that we have to watch for, because of where it is she couldn't get a large margin around it. He's healing well and isn't bothering his stitches at all so all in all I am so pleased to have my happy puppy back and bouncing around (for as much as he truly expends energy bouncing around) and will treasure every moment of the next couple of years that I have with him.

Jakesmum, have you researched the benadryl and tagamet? Boxers are mast cell magnets. Many boxer owners that know about it keep their dogs on a regimen of, at the very least, benadryl for the rest of their lives after a mast cell diagnosis. Most opt for benadryl and tagamet. I know it may interfere with some of his other meds, but I really hope you consider it. I hate mast cell tumors. Glad to hear that Jake is feeling well and I hope you have lots more time with him. Hugs to you both.
 

Jakesmum

Well-Known Member
Jakesmum, have you researched the benadryl and tagamet? Boxers are mast cell magnets. Many boxer owners that know about it keep their dogs on a regimen of, at the very least, benadryl for the rest of their lives after a mast cell diagnosis. Most opt for benadryl and tagamet. I know it may interfere with some of his other meds, but I really hope you consider it. I hate mast cell tumors. Glad to hear that Jake is feeling well and I hope you have lots more time with him. Hugs to you both.
I looked into the tagament and he can't have that with one of the drugs he's currently on, but Benadryl might be an option. I'm just waiting to hear from his dermatologist and will discuss it with her.
 

Bailey's Mom

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
Just an update on the results of the biopsy. I heard from our vet on Saturday and it has come back as a low grade stage 2 mast cell tumor. It is non aggressive and with this type of diagnosis the life expectancy is approximately 2 years. I take that with a grain of salt because no-one can predict how long you'll live, but regardless of that it will bring him within the life expectancy for the breed. There is the risk that the tumor may grow back so it's something that we have to watch for, because of where it is she couldn't get a large margin around it. He's healing well and isn't bothering his stitches at all so all in all I am so pleased to have my happy puppy back and bouncing around (for as much as he truly expends energy bouncing around) and will treasure every moment of the next couple of years that I have with him.

AMEN, JAKESMUM. I was late catching up on this thread and my heart just about broke. You've been through so much with the big guy, you deserve all the years you can get. If Boxergirl's information helps, I'll be very happy for you. We love them so much...it's like we can't breath when they are sick or hurting. It's a desperate love, isn't it? And we wouldn't give up a second of our time with them...not a second.