Puppy has carcinoma :(

ktearlynh

Hi all,

We have a 7 month old lab mix, she is the love of our lives.  We took her in to get what we thought was an extra toenail removed and they sent it for a biopsy "just to be safe".

Vet called today and the biopsy result was Squamous Cell Carcinoma.  The vet said to "focus on the positives" - we caught it early, they removed all of the tumor and as far as they can tell it hasn't spread.  Dr. Google gives both positives (sometimes it never grows back) to negatives (can spread quickly with a survival rate of a year).

Does anyone have an experience with this cancer?  She didn't ask to see Lily to do any tests, just said to keep an eye on the area (it's still healing from the surgery) and to call with any questions.I don't even know how to process this.  I didn't ask many questions on the phone because I was so caught off guard, but I'll be calling her back later tonight. 

Thanks, and if you have any t&ps to spare, I'd appreciate them

 

 

LuckyAngel07

I don't have experience or advice for you, but wanted to let you know your puppy is in my T&Ps. Hopefully it's something that, now it's been caught, won't recur.

ginger67

My dog was misdiagnosed with hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the heart) last summer. When I was researching it seemed as if skin cancer in a dog had the best survival rate. I would really search out a good oncologist to follow up with. Any vet schools in your area? GL!

ginger67

Is Tufts veterinary school far from you? I found a veterinary school to be less expensive with better then average care. Again, GL!

LadyShaSha

I don't have any advice, but I hope your puppy stays healthy.

kellbell1919

I would definitely ask your vet a lot of questions and request resources do you can study up.  I'll send lots of t&p

the domesticated newlywed

ginger67:

My dog was misdiagnosed with hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the heart) last summer.

... hemangiosarcoma is cancer of the blood vessels - not the heart, just a clarification ...

our dane was diagnosed with h-sarcoma 2 years ago - she had a large hard nodule on her chest that our vet aspirated and quickly removed - she has been fine ever since 

our friends lab was diagnosed on Dec 16 with liposarcoma ( originally thought to be osteosarcoma ) and passed away Jan 4 -- 

do what you have to do - I would go to every doctor/specialist that I could and I would ask for a second diagnosis ( just for clarity )  -- I only can give you ideas - good luck.

ginger67

Domisticated - That's interesting. Both cardiologists referred to the heart tumor as Hemangiosarcoma. I know it can be on the spleen to. Im just damn glad it was a misdiagnosis.

ktearlynh

Thanks everyone, I'm meeting with the vet tomorrow morning and I'll be requesting a copy of the biopsy report to bring to a specialist.  I really appreciate the t&ps!

sandollar1010

I noticed your in NH - it is worth a call into Angell Memorial in Boston.  They have been amazing with my last dog and my current pup.  It is really an impressive place, almost like a human hospital.  Lots of love to Lilly.

kellbell1919

I also lived in Boston and Angell memorial is really wonderful.

Our first pet was special needs and what I learned was to find a good vet who knows their stuff and will do research if necessary.  I would bring a notebook, ask lots of questions, write down everything that was said, ask for resources and then do a lot of independent research.  Our vet was always very receptive to the fact that i didn't want to be told what to do, I wanted to understand what to do.  When we adopted our second and he had weird symptoms nobody could diagnose, this literally saved his left.  I kept going and asking questions until they finally figured out what it was and he is 100% fine today.  Our pets depend on us to advocate for them and it sounds like you're doing an awesome job.

Vet-Tech

Gheez, I am so sorry for your puppy.  I would definitely see an oncologist in case there is something you should do along the lines of chemotherapy.  You'll be kicking yourself if you don't weigh all of your options & god forbid it comes back.