Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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So this morning I noticed a decent size area on Kasey that seemed swollen. She yelled in pain whenever we touched it so we went straight to the vet. The vet did X-rays, fine need aspirate and an exam. She said the area had swollen tissue so she thought maybe it was a bite from something that's had caused an infection. Well after the aspirate she saw a few granules that could be another mast cell tumor and some cells with large nuclei. The slides have been sent off to the oncologist. The vet said she was hoping it was just a bug bite that caused a reaction but no such luck.
Now I keep thinking, well if it was an aggressive tumors maybe the slides would've shown more granules or more cells with large nuclei. It's on the same side as her amputation but right at the base of her neck. So now it's a waiting game until the results come back. She's on pain meds and an antibiotic. I'm just concerned because she's in pain. She was never in pain with her previous tumors. I'm wondering if it's due to the fact that it's in the area where her leg was amputated and her second tumor was removed in that same area in September. So there's not much tissue or muscle in that area.
Danell and Kasey
Not again!
I never saw swelling (other than the tumor itself) with any of the MCTs we dealt with, and none of them were painful.
So your vet thinks its a MCT from the slides or isn't sure? Is there a noticeable tumor or can you just see general swelling?
Nothing to do but wait for the results I guess, I'm sorry you are at this place again- the 'wait for results' place.
How is Kasey otherwise?
Karen
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
Ugh. The roller.coaster ride.continues.
Certainly a bite and subsequent infection could make the area store. Especially since it's in the area of previous surgeries. I hope the pain meds can kick in and help. I know it's so disheartening to see Kasey hurting.
As always, all we can do is do the best we can. TRY and remind yourself that Kasey is still Kacey and could care less about what any old report says. She's not worried. She's just getting on with getting on.
Needless to say, we've all got our paws crossed and are hoping for a good outcome. That Kasey is such a tough cookie! We love her dearly!
Love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
The vet believes there is something there, but she's not 100% sure what it is. She could see something on the x-rays under the swollen tissue. When she did the fine needle aspirate and ran it on the slides, one slide showed a few granules that are similar to a mast cell and then the other slide showed some cells with enlarge nuclei. When Kasey had a tumor removed in Sept, that slide showed quite a few mast cell granules.
Kasey is eating normally and her kind of active self (she's 14). This morning she did her "get up now, I want to go potty" whine and she wasn't doing that yesterday. The area looks swollen still but I don't think it's as swollen, but I may just be telling myself that. When I feel the area I think I can feel something there like a lump but it doesn't seem large to me.
Thanks for the responses and well wishes!
Karl had a mast cell tumor on the same side as his amputation and the surgeries were done at the same time. I'm not sure if this helps, but my vet and the Oncologist are not very concerned about it. Probably compared to the Osteo. I think they are treatable with excise and some with Palladia. Oncologist didn't think the Palladia was necessary due to it being a clean removal with no margins. These babies of ours sure keep us busy don't they? I just keep putting Karl in God' s hands and trust he loves him more than even I do.
Peace and hugs,
Karl and mom Julie
It's not a science, this medicine thing, is it? Will keep you all in our prayers. More and more I'm trying to remember that our fur babies aren't worried like us - they're just being all dog about it. 😜 The worst for us, though, may be watching their pain. Hang in there! Hopefully your baby will get some relief.
tipper said
...our fur babies aren't worried like us - they're just being all dog about it.
Exactly! That's why our best advice is to: Be More Dog
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
So the results are back and it's another mast cell tumor. 
The vet is waiting to hear from the oncologist regarding our options. I and the vet feel that surgery is not an option. This is due to the location and size of the tumor. It's not like a usual mast cell tumor, it's kind of flat and not like a normal centralized located tumor. That's kind of hard to explain, but that's the just.
Anyways, our options are Prednisone or Predinosne/vinblastine (spelling?). Last night she ate her dinner, and then around 7:00 she was in pain. The location of the tumor is what I believe is causing pain. It's located on the same side where her leg was amputated two years ago and where the second tumor was removed in September. In that area the vet also removed her lymph nodes and there is a lot of tissue/muscle missing. So I think the fact that it's located in the same area as before is what is creating pain. She could not get comfortable last night and she wanted to sleep on the tile in my master bath. I think she may of had a small fever and the cold tile felt good. This morning I could tell she was still in pain and she didn't eat. The vet is going to call me today and maybe we can get in to start treating it.
She was fine Monday afternoon, Tuesday and yesterday morning/day, but yesterday evening an last night she could not get comfortable. She wanted to drink more water than usual so I assume she was running a fever. She slept on the bathroom tile which she never does. She did not eat this morning either. I'm at work now and she's at home with the other three dogs.
Does anyone have experience with predinose/vinblastine?
Thanks,
Danell & Kasey
Ugh! Mast cell cancer is like playing whack a mole, makes me crazy. I'm so sorry!
I just came across this MCT clinical trial, wondering if Kasey might qualify?
Clinical Trial, Virginia: For Mast Cell, Soft Tissue Tumors
Vinblastine has been used by many here, this forum search turns up 54 results.
Let us know how they manage her pain, I'm curious. I hope she finds fast relief, poor girl. Stay strong, we're here for you.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Ugh...not the news you wanted. It sounds like you and the vet are really on top of things though
The only suggestion I can offer is to check.out why.she may have a fever.. an infection can definitely make Kasey feel bad and not wanting to eat. Antibiotic could help clear that issue up.
My experience with Prednisone is it does decrease any information that the tumore may be causing, and that could help alleviate pain. It also will help increase.her appetite.
You're doing a great job with Kasey...always have...always will! Just keep approaching one day at a time with being fully present.with Kasey. Loving and spoiling a tripawd is so much fun!
Sending you love and healing energy
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
I took her in this afternoon because she was still not acting herself and didn't eat. Things are worse than we expected. Her gums were pale so the vet feels like she may have internal bleeding from the cancer. Her body is swollen throughout her back legs and somewhat in her abdomen. The vet said this is adema (not sure if that's the correct spelling) and that could be what is causing her pain. The vet was shocked how things had progressed since last Friday. She definitely wasn't expecting this and she was having a hard time with it too. Kasey has seen that vet since she was a puppy and she's now 14. I have prednisone and tramadol to help keep her comfortable. I know I am going to be making a difficult decision in a couple of days. I just wanted to spend some time with her, let her see her other "siblings", and then make the decision. I'm not going to let her suffer. I just hate to have to make this decision.
I appreciate every single one of you that have offered me advice and words of encouragement throughout Kasey's journey. I will keep you posted.
This part of the journey is so damn hard. We all here know how incredibly devoted you are ro Kasey.and how strong your love is for her...and hers for you.
That love is what will get you through the next several days. You WILL be able to stay fully present with her and strong for her. Yoir love is stronger than this piece of crap disease! You are together now.and nothing can interfere with your time together now.
Kasey is FOURTEEN years old and has been victorious every step of the way!
She is getting ready for the next phase of her Soul's journey. She is getting ready to rid herself of earth clothes that no longer serve her. She is getting ready to be pain free and young again. You will be giving her a selfless gift of love and she knows she can count on you fir that.
It is a privilege, a true privilege, ro have been on this joirn with you and Kasey. She is forever a Beacon of Hope and inspiration for senior dogs starting this joirney...for ANY dog starting this joirney!
We celebrate a life well lived and a life well.loved. NOTHING can ever separate you and Kasey! You are one heart, one Soul and you wil stay connected eternally.
Please know that, even though we aren't physically able to be by your side, your entire Tripawd Family is surrounding you with love and strength. We are "with" you
Surrounding you with our love
Sally and My Chunky Spiritual Being Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie
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!
Bless your heart. I know you have to be emotionally and physically drained, but Sally stated it so perfectly, Kasey is moving on to a better chapter of her journey. They only thing that will make her happier is when she jumps in your arms at the Bridge.
Much love and comfort coming your way.
{{{hugs}}}
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
Thanks everyone, these past two days have been rough. I've talked to the vet and the vet pretty much told me it's time. She threw up this morning and it was the food she ate Wednesday. So she is unable to pass food. She ate a couple of handfuls of ground chicken breast today, but she threw up twice today. We are taking her in in a couple of hours. I wanted to wait until it was close to closing time at the vet.
We appreciate all of your thoughts and well wishes.
Danell & Kasey
I'm so sorry you are at this point. Kasey fought a long battle and her body is just worn out.
But this stupid cancer will never take away her spirit and all the love you have shared.
Sending strong, positive thoughts for a peaceful transition.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
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