Expensive Dr. John,
We journey forwards and backwards within the winter months from New England to Florida and our groomers discovered one thing on our ten-year-old Cavapoo canine that one veterinarian in Boston stated was nothing and prescribed antibiotics, solely to search out out that our different veterinarian in Florida discovered it to be a big mast cell tumor. Our vet in FL suggests slicing it out however tells us that it’ll require eradicating plenty of flesh and is likely to be disfiguring. Is that this our solely possibility? How harmful is a mast cell tumor particularly given its location and can it have an effect on her longevity? E.H.
Expensive E.H.,
Mast cell tumors (MCT) are to be taken severely and it’s disappointing to assume {that a} veterinary skilled might need checked out a mass that dimension and never be extra involved. I wish to assume they’d a purpose for his or her preliminary evaluation and therapy given historical past and presentation.
They’re the most typical pores and skin tumor in canine, most readily seen as raised reddened lesions that are most frequently solitary. Measurement and placement are determinants within the method to therapy. Step one after a superb needle aspirate is blood work and an intensive bodily examination, insuring that there aren’t any enlarged lymph nodes or different findings. The placement of the MCT in your canine poses some concern to me and it must be graded from I-III. This may decide method and final result. Most sometimes, surgical procedure is finished to take away the mass with vast margins. Radiation has additionally been used, in addition to varied medication as chemotherapy.
Extra just lately, two new medication have been on the veterinary market to deal with these as properly. Palladia is an oral treatment and Stelfonta is an injectable drug. Both is likely to be used to try to shrink a mass earlier than surgical excision is carried out. The grading of the tumor is necessary in the case of prognosis and the way lengthy your canine would possibly reside.
I’d transfer shortly in grading the tumor and beginning no matter plan of action is sensible in accordance with your veterinarian’s solutions. I hope the result is profitable and that it results in a contented new 12 months!
Dr. John de Jong owns and operates the Boston Cellular Veterinary Clinic.He could be reached at 781-899-9994.
