[beagletails]

Does anyone have any knowledge of Mast Cell Cancer? I see that Beagles are prone to this type of Cancer and it is the worst of the canine cancers from what I read.

The reason I ask is our Beagle Lab (Samuel Beagador) has been diagnosed with this cancer and the tumor is in a spot that they are unable to remove the whole tumor. Therefore we are forced with knowing our time with Sam is limited.

Our hearts are breaking and we want the best for him, but don't know enough about treatment options etc... If anyone can shed light on this it would be greatly appreciated.

Sam with Tate as a puppy:

Sam with Maya in their favorite spot:

 

[Murphys Dad]

I'm so sorry about Sam's cancer, I can only imagine (and I try not to....).
I can't help with info, but I'm here for you if you need to speak to someone... /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/frown.gif

 

[HoundMusic]

OMG, I am so sorry to hear this /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/frown.gif We actually just had a scare last week - we thought one of our females may have had this exact type of cancer with the development of a lump and bloody diarrhea. Thankfully, though, it was found to be an allergic reaction to a food that had refcently changed their ingredients.

Mast cell IS related to allergies, and the overproduction of histamines. You can actually help (but not cure) this with benadryl, as the antihistamine it contains is the same one the Vet would prescribe. When the tumor is removed, its advisable to give the antihistamines, as they tend to be released into the bloodstream at that point.

Also, consider getting this dog on a cancer starvind diet. This would mean ABSOLUTELY NO CARBOHYDRATES at all, as cancer feeds off the sugar the carbs produce in the body. High fat diets are ideal, as cancer cannot feed off fat, and it will give the dog a source of energy and keep weight on them. Flaxseed or salmon oil should be given for the omega 3's & thier cancer fighting properties. Give lots of meat and low carb veggies such as squash, broccoli, cauliflower. No carrots or other starchy veggies.

I wish you well and from what I was reading about this, its a cancer with quite a high rate of survival in most instances.

Some helpful links:

http://www.wonderpuppy.net/mastcell.htm

http://www.kateconnick.com/library/mastcelltumor.html

http://www.vetsurgerycentral.com/mct.htm

 

[snoopyminky]

Samuel Beagador looks like an absolute sweetheart. Bless him.
Unfortunately mast cell tumors are prone to spreading and for local reoccurence ( after surgical removal). Even if they had been able to remove the whole lot 30% of them will recur.
Sounds like great advice for natural/nutritional support for his system. and I agree- a low carb diet is the go for at least slowing down the tumor growth and buying him a bit more time. Where exactly is the tumor? I've found that with some mast cell tumours that we "debulked" at our clinic because they weren't in a position to remove the whole lot that because of the histamine release it was very difficult for the surgery site to heal and a lot of them grew faster and more aggressively after surgical intervention. I guess the main thing is to keep him as comfortable as you can and spoil him rotten ( which I'm sure you are already doing).

 

[beagletails]

He has always been spoiled rotten, but I suppose out of sadness we are doing it a little more than normal now too. He already sleeps between my husband and I, under the covers with his head on a pillow. How much more spoiled can they get? lol

His tumor is on a thin part of the leg (bony area) and that is why she did not feel she would be able to remove the entire thing. I guess an option would be to have the whole leg removed, but if we did that and found that it was beyond local tissue and into the bone marrow or other organs, we'd be wasting our efforts anyway. It's a very hard decision to weigh out.

 

[PFR]

Yes our chocolate lab had this. We were able to catch two lumps very early and had them surgically removed, but then they must have started to go internal. I did notice a lump starting to form on her side, so I kept an eye on it and she seemed like her old self and was active. Then one day my son got hom from school and she couldn't get up the stairs, so I had him take her right to the back yard. I got her into the vets and he took a suringe full of blood from her stomache, so he guessed it burst. Well we had to put her down. It wouldn't have been fair to her...

Well the good thing was from having the first lump removed to when she was put down we got 5 more quality years for her. (also she weighed in about 100lbs ans 12 years old) My vet was very surprised at that...

I don't have any suggestions medically, but give lots of love and belly rubs and hopefully you'll get 5 more years...

 

[Genie]

I don't have any experience with this, but just wanted to say how very sorry I am that your lovely Sam has gotten this horrible diagnosis. My thoughts are with you. I hope that you will have a long time left to be with him, and that his remaining time will be happy and comfortable.

 

[jassy]

I am sorry to hear your news. I don't have any infomation on this type of cancer or help to offer except that I do know of a pet cancer support forum. If you are interested let me know and I can either post or PM you the information.

 

[Quesoart]

So sorry to hear about Sam's diagnosis. Ron, Brie and I send all of our good thoughts and prayers to all of you.

Lora&Tippi...and now Brie
"My little dog. A heartbeat at my feet."
Edith Wharton

 

[Murphys Dad]

My heart aches for you. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/frown.gif Sam looks like such a sweetheart, and I'm so sorry to learn of his diagnosis.

 

[Marley's Mommy]

nothing to add here but support and well wishes. My Charlie angel passed from leukemia, and a blood disease, that then travelled to his organs and he got cancer in them too. Say all that to say, it's hard, I know. But you do the best you can for them and they love you for it.

 

[GloverCharlie]

Hello there

I did'nt know about that cancer but I am very sorry that youre going through this heartace.

best wishes!! and no way your over spoiling him lol make the most of it!!

xx
K