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Canine Mast Cell Tumors - Not the End of the World
How we are dealing with mast cell tumors and canine cancer.
By Beth J. Bates
As you may recall, back in January we adopted Hugo, a wonderful Cane Corso mastiff mix. He has become my best friend and, quite frankly, the best dog we've ever had. In late March, I noticed a large lump on Hugo's side. I didn't think anything of it since dogs can be lumpy and its usually nothing. Luckily, Hugo got an eye infection and I had to take him to the vet. Since we were there, I had the vet check the lump. In less than 3 minutes my world changed. Hugo had cancer.
I was informed that the mass was a canine Mast Cell Tumor and a big one at that. He was scheduled for surgery to have the mass removed the next week. I went home in tears and broke the news to my husband, Mark. After a complete freak out I started to do some research and here's what I found.By Beth J. Bates
As you may recall, back in January we adopted Hugo, a wonderful Cane Corso mastiff mix. He has become my best friend and, quite frankly, the best dog we've ever had. In late March, I noticed a large lump on Hugo's side. I didn't think anything of it since dogs can be lumpy and its usually nothing. Luckily, Hugo got an eye infection and I had to take him to the vet. Since we were there, I had the vet check the lump. In less than 3 minutes my world changed. Hugo had cancer.
Hugo's mass was removed and graded as Stage 2. To date, the cancer has not returned. Luckily, he loves to be touched so I give him a rub down to check for new lumps daily. At Stage 2, if the cancer were to reappear and we caught in time, the vet could treat it quickly. Our vet has opted not to put Hugo on prednisone yet since he is doing pretty well. He has shown no change in his diet, temperament or behavior.
- Mast Cell Tumors (MCT) are very common in dogs.
- The aggressiveness of the cancer depends greatly on the location of the tumor. When the tumor is in a fleshy area, its easier to remove the majority of the mass with surgery. If the tumor is internal (potentially attached to the spine or spleen) it is very difficult to remove and much more aggressive.
- Some breeds are more susceptible to MCT than others.
- There is no way to prevent MCT, although keeping your dog in good health is a good place to start.
- The removed mass is graded in three stages. Stage 1 is the most common.:
- Least aggressive. If all traces of the mass are removed, it is unlikely that it will return. Dog should be checked regularly for reocurring lumps.
- Moderately aggressive. If all traces of the mass are removed, it is possible that it will return.Dog should be checked regularly for reocurring lumps. Your vet may choose to put the dog on radiation or prednisone.
- Extremely aggressive. It is likely that the cancer will return and has likely entered the lymph nodes. Treatment will be required if it will help. In some cases, the cancer is untreatable.
Many well-meaning friends and colleagues have sent me a myriad information on diet and herbs for canine cancer. While I am still reviewing all the options, I would not recommend making any changes to your dog's diet or supplements without referring to your vet first.
I guess the important think to remember is that you are not alone and that LOTS of dogs get cancer. And there are many resources and support groups available.
As we move forward with Hugo's treatment I'll be sure to keep you informed. I'll also make it a point to share any information that I have on MCT with you.
WE: Women's Entertainment and the logo are service marks of WE: Women's Entertainment LLC
Copyright 2009 WE: Women's Entertainment LLC. All rights reserved.
Copyright 2009 WE: Women's Entertainment LLC. All rights reserved.
I have a Cane Corso too . I use to raise Great Danes for many many years but never had this problem with any of them so I am asking as a first time Cane Corso owner have you ever had problems with the ears , her ears are horrible and smell and are crusty , I clean her ears and eyes all the time and I talked to a vet she said to use yeast infection cream and to keep her ears moist , I have done all this and nothing is helping , any other suggestions .
Just today I learned the mast cell tumor removed from my dog last week was a stage 3-the worst. The prognosis is bleak for my dear boy but as I read about Hugo I felt compelled to respond to one comment you made with which I vehemently disagree. You mentioned diet and advocated not changing unless discussing with your vet first, etc.
The majority of dog owners are setting their dogs up for cancer by the very foods that they feed. Dogs are carnivores and we feed them grain. It's that simple. Do some research. Read some labels. I only speak with passion as I love my dog and I'm going to loose him. Perhaps if I had him in my care earlier in his life he would have had a different fate.
Hey soberjulz - I have not had yeast problems with George (who has natural ears) and Hugo's ears were cropped so short that he really has none. I had a lengthy conversation with a bloodhound breeder the other day and he mentioned that his bloodhounds have pretty severe yeast issues. He said that he purchases Vagisil by the case and uses that to combat it. Beyond that, I really don't have any other suggestions as I just haven't experienced it myself.
Does anyone have any other suggestions?
Thanks,
Beth
Hi Claire Bear - I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. It is a truly scary and heartbreaking situation. I consider myself lucky that Hugo was stage 2 and hasn't had a reoccurance. I, too, wish that I had gotten him earlier in his life so that he was better cared for. I wish you all the best. You and your dog are in my thoughts.
Best,
Beth
Morning Pet
Sorry I have not replied sooner having computer issues , anyway thanks for answering , yeah that is what I did before I read this , I went to drug store and ask the pharmacy and they said to use that too. So far I have been using it on her and also a feminine spray in her ear for moisture , and you know it keeps her ears soft enough to clean better and the cream to help infection . I can not see paying for expensive medicine not saying she is not worth it just can not afford it, I kow many years ago when my Female Dane was still with us she use to get yeast infections and the vet put her on Keflex and for as many as she kept getting it was costing a fortune that is when someone else told me to feed her cultured yogurt wal lah it worked ! I also have a tip for any dog owners as far as itching goes , not all dogs have fleas cause they are scratching it could be allergies YES I know sounds odd, but since it is spring , going into summer and everything is blooming , and pollen is up I give my dogs Benedryl and what a difference that makes, also calms a hyper dog down . Vet again said that will work fine . I give my lab/mix 2 pills and the Corso since she is quite large 4 if I see that the corso is still itchy I give her only 1 more per day . Also they get more bathes during summer time to eliminate anything they pick up on their coats while being outside , not a full bath but fill up sink and wash them and I am seeing less and less shedding and scaly skin . Summer time is just as important to keep their coats soft and shiny, eggs in diet and even olive oil in their food . Again thanks for the tip .
Praying for your dog !
Hi there. I just read about Hugo and I wanted to share my story ... or shall I say, Felix' story. My yellow lab, Felix, had a lump on his right leg (top of leg) 3 years ago Nov. I had the vet test it and they said it was nothing. The lump grew enormously in a month and i just asked them to remove it as it looked uncomfortable. They called me during surgery to tell me that it was a mast cell tumor and invaded his entire leg and they wouldn't be able to get it all out unless they amputated. I decided not to amputate for various reasons. They said he was stage 3 and probably had 6 months at the most. Well, it's 2 1/2 years later and he's still with us! I brought him back in a year later (after his diagnoses), as his tail was blatantly large. They said they'd test it but doubt it was mast cell. It was.. and his tail was engorged. they didn't suggest amputating. I asked what signs to look for to know when it's the "end" and they said typical things like eating, lethargia, etc. Every morning without fail he greets me at the bottom of the stairs, runs outside, scarfs down his food, and humps his brother, Oscar:) The morning routine. Well, his leg just recently seemed to fill up with mast cell.. and he definitely seems to be slowing down. But the good news is that he's lasted a lot longer than we expected! I think i'll know when it's the end... but always feel greatful that he's found a way to stay with as long as he has.... The reason I write this is to give others hope that the Vet isn't always right.. and your animal is typically the one who decides when it's time.
Summer time is just as important to keep their coats soft and shiny, eggs in diet and even olive oil in their food . Again thanks for the tip .Home school curriculum | GED
| Distance learning
Summer time is just as important to keep their coats soft and shiny, eggs in diet and even olive oil in their food . Again thanks for the tip .Home school curriculum | GED
| Distance learning
He said that he purchases Vagisil by the case and uses that to combat it. Beyond that, I really don't have any other suggestions as I just haven't experienced it myself.Online High School Diploma | High School
Hi Claire very sorry to hear about the cancerous lump but glad at the same time that the set of events that led up to a check at the doctors and hopefully catching the cancer in time before it spreads. I wasn't aware that cancer was so common in dogs and our dogs have had a number of lumps over the years, which have just turned out to be cyst's and removed once they grew too large, but this will now make me more cautious as to having them checked out at the doctors should any new ones occur, as its better to be safe than sorry.
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