Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Do we have any other tri-kitty pawrents here with a diagnosis of round cell sarcoma? Kender's biopsy results weren't definitive and only narrowed it down to 3 types of round cell sarcomas (synovial, lymphoma or histiocytoma, I think was the last one...there are a few different histio ones and I didn't write it down). It appears these are pretty rare in cats and Google isn't giving a whole lot of helpful info. Trying to make my way through the blogs to see if there's any there, but no luck yet. And the search option isn't working on my phone :/ Will also try on my comp after getting the 2-legged kids to bed 
More detail in my blog, if needed - kendercat.tripawds.com
Thanks in advance for any info!
~Melinda and Tri-Kitty Angel Kender
Follow Kender's story here
My dog, Yorrick, had a histiocytoma on his muzzle just under his nose. It presented as a small pink circle, almost pimple like. It grew very gradually for several weeks, and was not painful at all. I had our vet look at it during a routine visit with one of our cats. She took a guess that it was that, and had us treat by rubbing Benadryl cream on it four times a day for 2 weeks. It made no difference, so I stopped for a couple of days, during which it doubled in size. I started back in on the cream religiously since cream meant no difference and no cream meant doubling in size. After 3 more weeks, the histiocytoma disappeared 100%.
I have no idea how they present in cats. I don't know how to post pictures to the forums here, but if you are curious, I can email you a picture of Yorrick's histiocytoma, or maybe Jim or Rene can help me post a picture.
Right rear leg amp due to injury from unknown cause (but don't tell her she's missing her spare...yes HER!)
Read our blog here: http://stevetheprettytripawdkitty.tripawds.com/
And find Steve's new Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/stevetheprettytripawdkitty
That's really interesting about the Benadryl! When I first noticed this, I thought it was some sort of bite or sting, so I gave her Benadryl for a couple days before we could see the vet. There wasn't a huge difference, but I thought I noticed a decrease in the size and swelling. But then the first vet we saw said it was an abscess and to stop the Benadryl and gave her antibiotics. I'm seriously tempted to go give her a dose of it right now O.o At this point, I don't know that it would be enough to get rid of it, but maybe it could help with diagnosis and ease some of the swelling.
Physically, though, it sounds very different from Yorrick's, as hers is growing under the skin.
~Melinda and Tri-Kitty Angel Kender
Follow Kender's story here
I'm not trying to take the place of your vet, but I Googled "histiocytoma feline" and got a lot of research papers and a few other hits. One of the plain English (not research paper) hits said that histiocytomas that are malignant in cats are usually composed of histiocytes (white blood cells) combined with fibroblasts (connective tissue) in the fatty layer of the skin. According to this site, if it occurs in a limb, amputation is successful treatment.
My vet said that Yorrick's mass was benign, which is why treatment with a Benadryl cream worked so successfully. I would call your vet to ask about administering Benadryl first. I don't mind if you use my dog as an example, but from what I've read (briefly), histiocytomas present differently in dogs and cats.
The research papers get more into the staining side of things, if you want to attempt them. I have veterinary hospital (and a little technician school) experience and I can barely trudge my way through a paper. I can, however, explain to you the process of staining! 
It's very neat and tells a lot and I don't understand why the lab your biopsies were sent to didn't already do it and why they're saying 2 extra weeks. They must be doing something more in depth.
Right rear leg amp due to injury from unknown cause (but don't tell her she's missing her spare...yes HER!)
Read our blog here: http://stevetheprettytripawdkitty.tripawds.com/
And find Steve's new Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/stevetheprettytripawdkitty
I found one earlier on vet.sagepub....a lot of it was Greek to me haha. I took medical terminology in school to help with the med mal cases I assisted with as a legal secretary. So that helped a little in deciphering things. Like you, I'm not finding much that would link antihistamines to helping in the case of cat :/ And she hates taking meds as it is so I'm not gonna put her through it now. I am going to call and mention how it seemed to help previously to my vet in the morning though, just in case the info is helpful to her. I'm not sure the first vet we saw would have thought it pertinent to put in her records since she had diagnosed it as an abscess.
~Melinda and Tri-Kitty Angel Kender
Follow Kender's story here
GEEZ, is this journey confusing or what?? I have no specific insight, just want you to know I'm thinking about you and hope for some clarity soon!
You and Steve are doing a great job of researching! The vets should be grateful for the help!
Hugs to Kender and to you!
Sally and 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!
Hi Kender & Melinda,
I was just checking out your blog when I saw your post here.
These search results pop up from here in the Forums, not sure if they'll be helpful but they're worth a try:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Also, I saw in your blog that the confirmed results haven't come in yet and you could be dealing with synovial cell sarcoma, histiocytoma or lymphoma. Try not to panic till you know what you're dealing with. These are all treatable cancers. I know it seems hopeless right now but wait til you have answers to decide anything. Knowledge is power, and power will give you a plan.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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