Mast Cell Cancer in a Dog

[Evadig]

Does anyone have any experience with this in their dog? I just want to know what the likely outcome is…

Thanks!

Picture of Eva just because…

 

[tlcmurphy]

Does anyone have any experience with this in their dog? I just want to know what the likely outcome is…

Thanks!

Picture of Eva just because…
View attachment 3981097

Yes, one of our first dogs had a Mast Cell carcinoma in her rear leg. We opted for chemo instead of amputation, and it was the wrong choice. She unfortunately had to be put to sleep about 6 months or so after we started treatment.
BUT it depends on where the tumor is located, many are operable and with chemo have a much better outcome. I hope Eva will be OK

 

[rosemarythyme]

The outcome depends on the mitotic activity in the cells, as well as tumor location(s). I had 5 tumors surgically removed from one of my dogs last year - shoulder, chest, 2 on legs, one on face. As my SIL is a veterinary dermatologist I sent the resulting findings to her plus consulted with the recommended oncologist and they both agreed the prognosis was good in my case - all the tumors were low grade (mitotic index of 4 in one tumor, the others were all 1), so in those cases surgical removal is considered a "cure."

She hasn't had another tumor since, so as long as that holds up we'll no longer need the oncology check ups next year.

 

[Evadig]

Yes, one of our first dogs had a Mast Cell carcinoma in her rear leg. We opted for chemo instead of amputation, and it was the wrong choice. She unfortunately had to be put to sleep about 6 months or so after we started treatment.
BUT it depends on where the tumor is located, many are operable and with chemo have a much better outcome. I hope Eva will be OK

The outcome depends on the mitotic activity in the cells, as well as tumor location(s). I had 5 tumors surgically removed from one of my dogs last year - shoulder, chest, 2 on legs, one on face. As my SIL is a veterinary dermatologist I sent the resulting findings to her plus consulted with the recommended oncologist and they both agreed the prognosis was good in my case - all the tumors were low grade (mitotic index of 4 in one tumor, the others were all 1), so in those cases surgical removal is considered a "cure."

She hasn't had another tumor since, so as long as that holds up we'll no longer need the oncology check ups next year.

Thanks for answering!

I’m sorry about your dog @tlcmurphy
And I’m glad yours @rosemarythyme had a happy ending!

What kind of dog do (did) you have?

 

[Pampered chicken girl]

I'm so sorry, I have no experience with this but I'll be praying for her recovery

 

[tlcmurphy]

Thanks for answering!

I’m sorry about your dog @tlcmurphy
And I’m glad yours @rosemarythyme had a happy ending!

What kind of dog do (did) you have?

She was a Pointer/Beagle mix near as we could tell. She was a good girl.
As @rosemarythyme said, the prognosis truly depends on the location. Many places are quite operable, our girl had the tumor in her hip. It’s been 18 years, but I remember her being quite uncomfortable. Mast Cell tumors secrete huge amounts of histamine, she was itchy all the time

 

[Evadig]

As @rosemarythyme said, the prognosis truly depends on the location. Many places are quite operable, our girl had the tumor in her hip.

Eva’s is just above her right shoulder.

I'm so sorry, I have no experience with this but I'll be praying for her recovery

Thank you!

 

[tlcmurphy]

I don’t know where your baby has the tumor (is it the bone?), but I’d like to mention that if it is in her leg bone like ours was, I’d recommend amputation.

We had 2 young kids at the time, and I couldn’t fathom telling them we were taking her leg, and couldn’t imagine a dog getting by with 3 legs. Three years ago our current dog was diagnosed with a different cancer on her front ankle. It returned after surgery and we didn’t want to lose another dog. We had her front leg amputated 3 years ago, and she is thriving now! Still chases squirrels up the 6’ fence, dogs can do fine without a limb

 

[Ilovemychicks08]

I have no experience with this. But im very sorry your girl has it. Ill be praying for a healthy turnout and a quick healing

 

[rosemarythyme]

What kind of dog do (did) you have?

Mine's a mutt, undetermined (we have her listed as part whippet but the oncologist was guessing there might be some boxer in there as that's one breed that has a higher rate of mast cell tumors).

Mast Cell tumors secrete huge amounts of histamine, she was itchy all the time

My girl wasn't itchy but all 3 vets involved did suggest Benadryl to help counter the histamine, as it may help slow tumor growth, especially if they are itchy or irritated in the area, as scratching around the area can cause the cancerous cells to spread more. Unfortunately... my girl is allergic to Benadryl.

Eva’s is just above her right shoulder.

How large is it? The one on my dog's shoulder was maybe the size of a quarter.