Well . . . not good news. Cider's results are in the family of "Soft Tissue Sarcoma" and specifically she has "Hemangiopericytoma". Big words for localized cancer in the soft tissue.
The "glass half full" news is these tumors are usually slow growing and localized (don't pop up elsewhere in the body). The impact is only cosmetic at this point. She is in no pain and it currently does not bother her at all. The concern is when it becomes large and uncomfortable.
~~~
I have read numerous articles today and the experts all seem to have the same conclusion at least. Surgery is rarely able to remove the entire mass when it is located on a limb. The tumors also tend to grow back faster and more invasive than the original, after surgery. The most successful way to remove the entire mass is with surgery and 15 - 18 radiation treatments (yikes), which I am not about to put my dog through.
~~~
Still deciding what to do . . . but at this point we will monitor its size and hope for slow growth and many more happy years.
17 comments:
Hi Karen...Oh, I am so sorry. Not an easy decision...but I know you will do what is best for Cider. What a darling face...so sweet.
I will pray for slow growth too!
Take care,
Hugs, Nancy
Knowing what is going on is half the battle, Karen... You will know what is right with the darling Cidrous dog... Bless you!
I am so sorry, my neighbor is a veternarian pathologist of at vet school I can ask her what the best treatment is? Her husband is a large animal vet, I can pick their brains for you. They keep Zoobie tuned up for me he is ten years old, and for a big dog that is getting up there I worry about him every day that he can keep going, he has a young head and heart.
Renee
I called my vet neighbors, she said basically the same thing as you already knew, she said the radiation theraphy is only local, not the body, and the results are pretty good,and since it is local to the leg, the side effects are not severe, I don't know if it were Zoobie, what i would do. If I can help with finding out info for you I will.
Renee
you can email me if you need more
Nothing harder then to make a decision for our pets they can't tell us what to do and they trust us so much. When I had to make decisions for my Mollie it was always about her comfort, not mine. Good luck with your difficult decision and just give her lots of hugs, they understand that! Jacque
Aww...poor Cider! But I'm sure you'll fully enjoy whatever time you're blessed with, hopefully many more years! ~Lori
On Karen, I'm sorry Cider's test results were not good! It's midnight and we just got home - much too late to call you. Talk to you tomorrow - give Cider a big hug from us.
Brendie
Oh dear Karen, not the results you wanted to hear. Sending good vibes and healthy thoughts to sweet Cider. I know you will do the very best for her.
Best regards
Chrissie
I am so sorry to hear it. We have been through similar situations with our dogs in the past and it is difficult. Keep researching and learn all that you can. I will keep praying for her.
Thank you everyone! Yes it is awful getting the wrong answer. I really thought it was just the common fatty tissue lump. Hmmmm
I'll keep researching and figure out what to do. It is better to know the facts, than not know, I think.
~ Karen
What a pretty smile she has!
Did the vet say anything about life expectancy, or if it would cause pain later?
I mean, just because it's been labeled cancerous, does that mean that you HAVE to do something about it, (other than watch it?)
I'm sure you'll do what is best for her and your family. Hugs to you! (ane a doggie treat for Cider!)
Hi Nikki, Yes, the "Do Nothing" option is always a choice. We have put waxpaper over the lump and drawn the outline in marker so we can compare size week by week.
The issue is how fast the tumor grows and how much her skin can stretch without discomfort. These lumps can become the size of a grapefruit.
Surgery or "debulking" only gets about 80% and radiation is used to get the rest. Without radiation it will likely grow back (perhaps even bigger and faster).
For now we will likely take the wait and watch approach and hope for little change. Cider is 8years old, which is another issue (there is lots of time for things to change).
Thanks for your comments and suggestions :)
Karen
Hi Karen,
I am so sorry to hear about Cider and what a precious, sweet dog she is.
Wishing all the best for Cider that she can have many many more happy years, with your family.
Hugs
Carolyn
So sorry to hear about Cider...you will know in your heart what the best course of action is...and I hope the growth is slow and you have many more good moments together. I have always said that we are our pet's champions...and I know Cider has a good one in you. :)
Karen, I am so sorry for the results, but just a little insight. My first dog Tiger had a soft tumor at the base of his tail. That was around 1974, he was 10, and the vet removed it and zapped it with chemo. He lived to be almost 18 years old after that.
Both of you will be in my thoughts.
Hi Karen,
I am so sorry about dear Cider.
It is so hard for your family and I hope that you have many more happy years with the lovely dog, in your family.
Hugs
Carolyn
I am so sorry~
What an Angel!
I hope she remains happy and comfortable for many years and so you may be companions for a long long time.
Also remember being loved by you will keep her going for a long time and boost her immune system.
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