Spanky bad news

Spanky has cancer...The lump I showed this morning she did a needle bio and the cells look very strange.He has also 3 other wart looking spots she tested and he has mass cell tumors...I am so upset I can hardly type.She is also pretty sure the lump we went in for is also cancer.He has to have surgery.to remove the tumor on his leg and have it tested and the 3 mass cell tumors taken off...My baby has cancer I am so upset I cant stop crying my spanky..Hubby doesnt know yet but Spanky will have surg on thursday.I dont this the price is to bad it will be about $500 DH will have a fit.But what can I do he has to.I will go hooking if I have to...SOrry I have to go before I have a heart attack..Please say mega prayers for my little bt man.I love him soooooooo much

I am sorry! I know it is scary. However, I know many many pugs who have had mast cells (including reoccuring ones), and they have done very well once the tumors are removed. I am hoping for a low grade with clean margins. He'll be in my thoughts for Thursday!

Honestly, as scary as the word cancer is, Mast cell tumours can be highly treatable. You want to ask the surgeon what grade/stage they are (You want grade/stage 1) and clean margins.
I see so much MCT that I don't even react much to it. Many of us have pugs that have had MCT surgeries many times and the dogs are alive and well and as sassy as ever.

I know the mass cell ones can be bad.but the tumor I was hoping to be a fatty one isnt that is the one that really bothers me the most. and what kind of cancer is that one.Spanky (bt) he is 9 yrs old.....I am in such shock now I am sick to my stomach

DeeAnn wrote:I know the mass cell ones can be bad.but the tumor I was hoping to be a fatty one isnt that is the one that really bothers me the most. and what kind of cancer is that one.Spanky (bt) he is 9 yrs old.....I am in such shock now I am sick to my stomach

I am not an expert, but like I said, we have had lots of pugs come into rescue that have had mast cells. What you are looking for are a low grade (they are graded 1, 2, 3,etc), with clean margins-the lower the grade, the better it is. A friend of mine has had numerous tumors removed from her pug-obviously, it's not great, but it's not a death sentence either. Since I'm not on PV, I can't search-but I am postive if you do a search there, you will find lots of information. It's good you caught it and he's getting them removed!

Saira wrote:

DeeAnn wrote:I know the mass cell ones can be bad.but the tumor I was hoping to be a fatty one isnt that is the one that really bothers me the most. and what kind of cancer is that one.Spanky (bt) he is 9 yrs old.....I am in such shock now I am sick to my stomach

I am not an expert, but like I said, we have had lots of pugs come into rescue that have had mast cells. What you are looking for are a low grade (they are graded 1, 2, 3,etc), with clean margins-the lower the grade, the better it is. A friend of mine has had numerous tumors removed from her pug-obviously, it's not great, but it's not a death sentence either. Since I'm not on PV, I can't search-but I am postive if you do a search there, you will find lots of information. It's good you caught it and he's getting them removed!

THank you....I am going to go research this...dang just the word cancer scared the poop out of me...Oh by no means am I counting Spanky out he is one tough little guy..He was given a death sentance when he was a puppy and was supose to only live a couple of years and now he is 9...He has a liver problem but he beat the odds and he will now also he knows his mommy loves him to much to leave me..

i'm so sorry. i'll be thinking of you and spanky.

You just need to have patience until the firm diagnosis comes back. Nothing you do today can change anything. I'd recommend that you be thinking in the back of your mind how far you can and are willing to take treatment should you need to.

((hugs))

DeeAnn, take a deeeeeeeeeeeeeeep breath and calm down.

I have been along the MCT route with my Pugs MANY times. You are far from the stage of sheer terror and panic. The OVERWHELMING majority of MCTs are safely removed and diagnosed to be early stage with clean margins. Even if you get a higher grade with dirty margins it is not doom and gloom. My LouLou had a difficult one removed at age THIRTEEN - it had dirty margins, grade 2 - 3 and she had to have follow-up chemotherapy. She lived another FOUR YEARS to age SEVENTEEN!

I know as soon as you hear the "C" word it sends you into a tailspin of panic. Take it from those that have been there and realise in all probability it will be OKAY.

Aussie Witch wrote:DeeAnn, take a deeeeeeeeeeeeeeep breath and calm down.

I have been along the MCT route with my Pugs MANY times. You are far from the stage of sheer terror and panic. The OVERWHELMING majority of MCTs are safely removed and diagnosed to be early stage with clean margins. Even if you get a higher grade with dirty margins it is not doom and gloom. My LouLou had a difficult one removed at age THIRTEEN - it had dirty margins, grade 2 - 3 and she had to have follow-up chemotherapy. She lived another FOUR YEARS to age SEVENTEEN!

I know as soon as you hear the "C" word it sends you into a tailspin of panic. Take it from those that have been there and realise in all probability it will be OKAY.

You are so right Rona once she said the C word I just broke down and cried......I am just thinking postive and when the resluts come back then go from there...Thanks for the kick me in the butt I needed that go get myself together

Cancer is a scary word, there's no doubt about that. But you got Spanky examined and he will have sucessful surgery and follow up treatment if necessary and all should be fine. There are many types of cancer and I think Mast Cells in dogs are among the easiest to treat.

Sending you and Spanky lots of prayers.

Aw DeeAnn I am so sorry about Spanky. Try to think positive until you get the tests back.
It's scary to hear MCT no doubt.
Sending you lots of prayers for clean margins.

Try to stay positive too. Our pets can pick up on negative vibes. The bumps can't have been there for long so you have probably done well to give him in so early. Just give him big hugs!

You've gotten some wonderful advice and I can't add to that. Keeping you and Spanky in my thoughts.

Thinking of you and Spanky, so sorry DeeAnn.

You and Spanky are in my prayers. Please listen to the great advice you got here and keep us posted.

I will keep you and Spanky in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs to you and Spanky. I hope the surgery goes well and he is fine for many many years to come.

I'm so sorry DeeAnn. I'm praying that the surgery goes great and that Spanky has many more happy, healthy years to come.