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Leah's Leg


Guest MyCody

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Guest MyCody

I posted a while back that Leah was unable to put any weight on her right rear leg and the vet on call at our vets thought she may have been stung by a bee or insect. Well she hasn't been acting like herself, hard to explain but we took her in to her vet on Friday. He found the lymph node in that leg swollen so aspirated it and took some blood.

 

He called this morning and said the lab report which was sent out, shows mast cell tumor throughout the sample but he said nothing to do at this time. He has her on Rimadyl and an antihistimine and we have to keep an eye on that leg.

 

He feels the swelling was a tumor that burst internally.

 

Anyone have any experience like this??

 

 

Thanks for any help.

 

 

Terry

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Guest BiancasMom

My Basset had mast cell tumors. None of them ever burst or were swollen although I have heard of this happening. I know there is another GT'er that had this happen to their grey. I believe she has a blue grey. Is there any chance they can amputate? Maybe atleast to give her a little more time and make her comfortable? Despite 3 major surgeries to remove my Basset's tumors, she eventually passed away when it spread to her liver. I'm sorry you are going through this. I hate cancer.

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Guest jettcricket

My beautiful boy, Jett, succummed to mast cell cancer. I'm so sorry that you are going thru this.

Edited by jettcricket
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Thanks, I'm trying to contact Suzanne Stack, asked in another forum in here, I've lost her contact information.

 

I'd try OSU instead.

 

They're the cancer experts.


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Susan,  Hamish,  Mister Bigglesworth and Nikita Stanislav. Missing Ming, George, and Buck

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Did the initial swelling from a couple weeks ago clear up? Any other swollen areas on that leg now besides the lymph node? Did you and the vet check her entire leg very closely for any bumps or growths that could be the primary tumor? It would be unusual to have cells consistent with mast cell tumor in the lymph node without a tumor itself somewhere on that leg - it might be very small, and if it's deep, it may not be visible.

 

When a mast cell tumor 'bursts' a number of chemical substances are released from the cells which can cause a variety of systemic effects, such as stomach ulcers and low blood pressure. This may be why Leah doesn't feel good. In addition to antihistamines, H2 blockers (acid reducers) like Pepcid can also help counteract the effects of these chemicals. Ask your vet about also putting her on Pepcid - for an average grey, I'd probably use 10-20 mg Pepcid twice a day. Especially since she's also on Rimadyl, I'd be concerned about her developing a stomach ulcer.

 

There are a number of treatment options for mast cell tumors, although it helps to be able to find the primary tumor and have a definitive diagnosis. I would definitely recommend having the aspirate slides reviewed and consult with OSU, or any other internal medicine or oncology specialist. If a primary tumor is found, it is best to remove it if in a location where it is operable. Follow-up radiation or chemo may be options, and there is also a new drug on the market now, Palladia, that is specifically labeled for treating mast cell tumors. Palladia is a medication that also appears to help with a number of other cancers and has fewer risks for side effects than traditional chemo drugs.

Jennifer &

Willow (Wilma Waggle), Wiki (Wiki Hard Ten), Carter (Let's Get It On),

Ollie (whippet), Gracie (whippet x), & Terra (whippet) + Just Saying + Just Alice

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Guest MyCody

Thank you so much for all the information. The slide was sent out for a second opinion. Just got off the phone with her vet and he'd like to wait a week to see if her leg swells again as the mast cell tumor readings were, I guess low as he described it this morning as "inconclusive". She is continuing on antihistamines.

 

As he stated, he cannot feel any tumor at this point and if her leg does swell again he will do an ultrasound and a blood test, sorry I forgot what it's called.

 

Thank you again.

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Ah, Terry, I'm so sorry that Leah and you are going through this. Waiting is the pits, I know. Wish I had some great advice for you, but I can send lots of prayers and good thoughts.

Give your sweet girl a gentle hug from me.

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Nancy, Mom to Evangelina and Kiva
Missing Lacey, Patsy, Buster, my heart dog Nick, Winnie, Pollyanna, Tess, my precious Lydia, Calvin Lee, my angel butterfly Laila, and kitties Lily, Sam and Simon
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