a mast cell tumor and a wasp sting....

[LisaT]

Well, the day has come. Found out today that Indy (our mixed breed) has a mast cell tumor. It will be removed Monday the 10th, and then sent out for biopsy, staging, etc.

I'm kicking myself that we didn't test it earlier. About 5 years ago she had a wasp sting in that area. A couple of years ago a lump formed. Over the last year, the area has been changing. But Indy has a number of other issues, and we all attributed it to just being "indy". While we didn't test it, the vet had felt it when it first showed up. Today the vet aspirated it with a needle to see what was inside -- filled with mast cells and odd fluid.

I thought it was wierd that this showed up at that exact site so long after the wasp sting. That sting really made her ill for along time -- it wasn't necessarily an allergic response; in fact, there was almost no swelling. I guess histamine is the connection between the sting and possible tumor formation -- our vet said she has heard of this connection.

I know that most of these, if caught early enough, are cured by surgery. But I don't know if we caught it early enough. And I don't know if she could tolerate many conservative or alternative treatments other than surgery because she is our issue dog.

So, be careful of any bumps that appear or don't go away after a bee or wasp sting, and please send Miss Indy some healing thoughts ...

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1...5/35b2af6b.jpg

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

Oh noooooooooooooooo....

What did the lump look like?

I know there was a dog on IMOM who is actually one of the worst case ever pictures of mast cells if you look it up. He was a Boston, I think. He lived for a long time, but I do not know the details of his case at that point as he was pre-Anna being on there. He was on there for quite some time and if I remember, was actually getting help for something else entirely after his cancer was treated. I can check it out if you'd like me to.

And is she as sweet as she looks? What a face!

Forgot to say-please post as soon as you can, when you know anything more.

[BowWowMeow]

Lisa,

I've never heard of anything like this but it does make sense. I heard a simliar thing from a vet when Basu had serious allergies. Don't give yourself a hard time though because you didn't know! It is very difficult to figure out when to aspirate. My Chama is full of fatty tumours and I've had one aspirated but not others. Anyway, I'll be wishing the best for Indy. Are you giving her that Wobenzym?

[LisaT]

Jean, the lump is below the skin. You can't see it unless you know it's there. It started out feeling just like a lump, but now you can feel it's lumpy, so there must be multiple little lumps in there.

She is the sweetest girl and has been through so much. I hate that point when you drop them off at the vet and you go one way and they go another.

I will definitely post updates.

Ruth, I didn't even think about the Wobenzym, great idea, I have some here. I was also reading that Tagamet might be helpful in slowing any progression, but have some reading to do on that.

You're right, it really is tough knowing which lumps and bumps to aspirate, and when. The vet was telling me how sometimes she'll get a lipoma that's just a lipoma, only later it has morphed into something more serious.

Thank you both for the well-wishes!

[M&J]

If it helps, my dog had mast cell cancer when he was 7. He had it surgically removed, clean margins, and it never returned the rest of his life.
He had several other lumps/bumps biopsied throughout his life after that, all benign.
Prayers you caught it in an early stage!

[kallie]

Oh no Lisa! So sorry to hear this and hoping all will be fine with Indy. I know exactly how you feel right now though. I continually questioned, if I would have only just noticed Kallie's tumor sooner. You know we do the best for our dogs, so don't feel bad..You are a great mom You're in my thoughts and please keep us posted.

I do want to add though, that Kallie did have a tumor about 5 years ago also. Not sure if you remember this or not. It was surgically removed and all was fine for the next 5 years..So hoping all will be the same for Indy!

Give Indy a sloppy wet kiss from me

Jen

[arycrest]

Lisa & Indy

I don't have any experience with mast cell tumors, just wanted to let you know that you an Indy will be in my prayers!

[Barb E]

Originally Posted By: LisaTRuth, I didn't even think about the Wobenzym, great idea, I have some here. I was also reading that Tagamet might be helpful in slowing any progression, but have some reading to do on that.

I don't know about the use of Tagamet in dogs but I know not long after I sold a mare with a Melanoma under her tail I started hearing of treating Melanoma in horses with Tagamet.

I'll keep you and your girl in my thoughts!!!

[natalie559]

Sending hugs and good thoughts to you and Indy

[JakodaCD OA]

will be keeping Indy in my prayers!! You keep us updated!

diane