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Between a rock and a hard place...

Sadies Mom

Well-Known Member
So Sadies blood results came back better then expected. He BUN has gone down a little bit, now at 38, creatinine is the same at 2.3 everything else looked fine, so she is cleared to have the mast cell tumor removed. My quandary is, the tumor is not super big, about the size if a nickel, but with the 2-3 cm margins that is needed for the pathology test for grading, would mean that there is not enough skin to close the incision. It is located just above the base of the tail and a little to the right. And then there is still the risk of the anesthesia. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO!!!!??
 

cayeesmom

Well-Known Member
Yes, that is what I would say being stuck between a rock and a hard place. Very hard decision, I have no advice for you more then go with your gut instinct.
 

angelbears

Well-Known Member
What a tough spot to be in. What does the vet say?

Just remember what ever you decide it is the right decision. You don't have a crystal ball. All you can do is go with your heart and your love for Sadie, which is abundant.
 

Rugers-Kris

Well-Known Member
Oh, I am sorry that you are forced to make this decision. You will do what is right for her...I wish could help but I have no advice. I am glad to hear that her blood results are better than you expected.
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
That really is a difficult place to get clean margins and good healing. This is my opinion only, but Sadie is a young dog. That would weigh very heavily in my decision. I'm not one to jump on immediate surgery, however MCTs left alone will only get worse. Unfortunately I have too much experience with them. I've seen boxers live with MCTs for several years (they are VERY prominent in the boxer breed) and then I've known dogs whose tumors metastasized so quickly that they didn't know what hit them - and those tumors looked small. I completely understand how difficult a decision this is. The healing would be a long process. That's not something I would feel comfortable giving advice about. I'm sure you have discussed this with your vet and the two of you will make a decision together.

I remember from a previous post that you had some MCT experience, so maybe you're already doing what I'm going to suggest. I know you were going to do Benadryl. I would very strongly encourage a Tagamet+Benadryl regimen. Even if you have the tumor removed. Not just the Benadryl. The Tagamet (Cimetidine) portion seems to be paramount in this treatment. The Benadryl encapsulates the T2 cells and the Tagamet encapsulates the T1 cells. I feel bad suggesting Walmart because I disagree with so much about them, but they have 200mg Cimetidine for around $5.00. I still have a link to some information if you'd like me to post it. My experience with MCTs is that while there may be only the tumor you see, there may also be ones you can't see. That's why I like the above protocol - it has an effect on all of them. I'm also going to apologize because I feel like I keep hitting people over the head and pushing this information, and I'm not usually a pushy person. I just think it's that important. I wish you all the best with Sadie. She and you have gone through a lot together.
 

Bailey's Mom

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
My heart goes out to you. We do what we can for our pets...step out in faith that this is the best for her. Time really does heal all wounds, both physical and emotional. Love (of which you have an abundance) is an essential ingredient to her healing. I will see her healed and at your side.
 

Sadies Mom

Well-Known Member
That really is a difficult place to get clean margins and good healing. This is my opinion only, but Sadie is a young dog. That would weigh very heavily in my decision. I'm not one to jump on immediate surgery, however MCTs left alone will only get worse. Unfortunately I have too much experience with them. I've seen boxers live with MCTs for several years (they are VERY prominent in the boxer breed) and then I've known dogs whose tumors metastasized so quickly that they didn't know what hit them - and those tumors looked small. I completely understand how difficult a decision this is. The healing would be a long process. That's not something I would feel comfortable giving advice about. I'm sure you have discussed this with your vet and the two of you will make a decision together.

I remember from a previous post that you had some MCT experience, so maybe you're already doing what I'm going to suggest. I know you were going to do Benadryl. I would very strongly encourage a Tagamet+Benadryl regimen. Even if you have the tumor removed. Not just the Benadryl. The Tagamet (Cimetidine) portion seems to be paramount in this treatment. The Benadryl encapsulates the T2 cells and the Tagamet encapsulates the T1 cells. I feel bad suggesting Walmart because I disagree with so much about them, but they have 200mg Cimetidine for around $5.00. I still have a link to some information if you'd like me to post it. My experience with MCTs is that while there may be only the tumor you see, there may also be ones you can't see. That's why I like the above protocol - it has an effect on all of them. I'm also going to apologize because I feel like I keep hitting people over the head and pushing this information, and I'm not usually a pushy person. I just think it's that important. I wish you all the best with Sadie. She and you have gone through a lot together.

The only experience I have with MCT's is that my Lab had multiples, but she had so many other issues and the MCT's was the least of the Nicki's problems, so I never had them removed.

Had Sadie been 100% otherwise healthy, I would not be hesitating to have it removed, but, since she is diagnosed with CRF, polycystic kidney disease to be exact, that is where my hesitation comes to play.
 

Sadies Mom

Well-Known Member
Ugh is right. What did the vet say about healing and not being able to close up the incision?
Well, see, this is not something I have been talking to the vet about, this is just my brain maybe over thinking things. But with all the research I have done, and videos I have watched of surgeries being performed of Mast Cell removal, with the location it is in and the wide margins that needs to be taken, I am not sure about what to do. I have been thinking about talking the Specialist that she have been going to, to see what he thinks. They do have a very highly specialized oncology department there. It is not that I don't trust her regular vet, it is just with all the special precautions that needs to be taken as far as anesthesia, fluids etc, I am just a nervous wreck over the whole thing. Can't catch a fu@#ing break.......
 

ruthcatrin

Well-Known Member
Absolutly talk to the specialist. Especially with her kidney problems, having his input alone would be hight usefull IMO.
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
The only experience I have with MCT's is that my Lab had multiples, but she had so many other issues and the MCT's was the least of the Nicki's problems, so I never had them removed.

Had Sadie been 100% otherwise healthy, I would not be hesitating to have it removed, but, since she is diagnosed with CRF, polycystic kidney disease to be exact, that is where my hesitation comes to play.

I just wanted to make sure that you knew about the Tagamet/Benadryl regimen and that it has worked successfully to shrink tumors where removal was not an option. Since I've begun using it as a preventive measure in my boxers, I've not had any MCTs. It's become a standard daily med for a lot of breeds prone to MCTs. I don't, however, know if either Tagamet or Benadryl is recommended for a dog with polycystic kidney disease, and I certainly understand the need to be cautious. I wish you didn't have to think about any of this. It sucks.
 

Sadies Mom

Well-Known Member
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Sadie says thank you. I will call the specialist on Monday to see what he would suggest.
 

ParentsofVegas

Well-Known Member
Sadie is in good hands with your care.
Get the consult and then as others have said,
go with your gut.
It has been your care that has helped her
with her health issues.
Best wishes for her and you from our pack.
 

Hector

Well-Known Member
I have nothing to add, but just know whatever decision you go with it will be the best for her. Good luck.
 

NYDDB

Well-Known Member
I have nothing to add, but just know whatever decision you go with it will be the best for her. Good luck.

^^^^ Same here.

Definitely gather some more information, from those you trust...and then go with your gut.

All the best; keep us posted.
 

dpenning

Well-Known Member
You are a strong woman A. Reading this thread and seeing that pic makes me squishy. You have done everything right for her and I know you will continue to do so. Good luck with the specialist, hoping they give you enough information to be confident in your decision.
 

Sadies Mom

Well-Known Member
So, I had a lengthy conversation with the specialist. He too highly recommended that the MCT be removed and graded. He did state that the surgery it self is a higher risk, but with the right precautions, lots of fluids before, during and after surgery and very closely monitoring her blood pressure, everything should be fine. So now my brain is going at a million miles per hour.....and all the what if's are popping into my head. I have some more thinking to do and I am going to talk to her vet one more time before I make my decision. Right now she is doing so well, and I do not want to ruin that. This is one of the hardest decisions I have been faced with. I just want her to have a good life. I just love this damn dog.......:pray:
 

Rugers-Kris

Well-Known Member
I certainly don't envy you. I am really sorry that you are going through this but I have no doubt that you will make the right decision for her. Your love for her is so apparent and she is one lucky girl to have you. :) I will be keeping you both in my thoughts.