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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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My little terrier has just been diagnosed with mast cell tumor and now it's decision time
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Member Since:
6 February 2015
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25 February 2015 - 5:15 am
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Things kept changing over the last couple of weeks, as we had more tests done on the sample taken the first time, and also we got a referral to a specialist clinic. I wasn't updating because it was all a bit in flux and up until yesterday I wasn't sure what I was going to do!

Anyway, your advice on having a second opinion and speaking to specialist surgeon was spot on. My original vet referred me to them, as she also started having doubts if amputation is the right choice in this situation. It turned out the grade 2 they gave the sample only applies to cutaneous mct's, whereas Kylie's was subcatenous. The vet ordered a different test (something that sounded like KY, or KI 67, or something) and it came back 'low' which apparently is good and suggests not a very aggresive cancer. Therefore the plan was to reduce the tumour with chemo, so it's easier to remove and then do a surgery to remove it. Then follow it up with chemo if they can't get the clean margins. That's what we did, Kylie had chemo last week, and yesterday the surgery. The surgery turned out more complicated than they anticipated as the tumour was lodged very deeply in her leg - the surgeon said it was very unusual for this type of tumour to present itself like this, and he suspects it might have originated near the bone. There was also a nerve that was in the way. But the vet  thinks he got the whole thing out in one piece, and the nerve is not damaged, but might be a bit bruised and take few weeks to recover.

This means that of course they couldn't get the margins, because they couldn't get the 'deep' dimension, so Kylie will need chemo follow up. The mass is going to be properly tested now to get accurate measures and design further treatment. I was hoping for the best outcome and no chemo necessary, but we'll do what we'll have to do. She tolerated the first dose well, but after a few days became a bit tired and not quite 'herself', but apparently the steroids they gave her could cause that. She was also on an antihistamine.

I'm not looking forward to chemo, and seeing her not her usual happy self, but if it's going to help, then I just have to grit my teeth and bear it. She won't know any different, I guess. I don't know if this was the right decision to make, but it was the vet's advice. If she was in pain, or the leg bothered her at all, I wouldn't hesitate to amputate. But even the vet said in this situation it is a tricky and not a very clear decision either way. I know that we might have to do it in the future, if the cancer comes back, but at least I'll know then I've done what I could.

Virginia







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22 February 2013
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25 February 2015 - 9:27 am
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Thanks for the update on adorable Kylie!! You have reallynjadnyour jands full!!

Nope, nothing is ever clear cut on this journey! Often times it just comes down to what feels right in our gut! You've got a great team and now you can move forward.

Not sure which chemo she is on. My Happy Hannah was on Carboplatin and, luckily, had no side effects. Some dogs do experience some lethargy and a loss of appetite for a day or so after treatment...usually around day three to day five. Did the vet give her Cereniaafor nausea?

Kylie will get through this recovery just fine.....and so will yoi!!!

Jist keep on with the loving and the spoiling and staying in the moment! That makes Kylie so happy!!!

Sending lots of love and hugs!!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

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