Andy's mast cell surgery - delayed again

Rita, you're spot on with the info.

I worked a couple of weeks ago (subbing for a Dr on vacation) and did a mast cell tumor removal on a Boston. We did oral benadryl prior to surgery as it was a single small mass about 1/2" diameter. We got clean margins so no further treatment. I've found this is the most common situation found in practice, but it's not uncommon to find multiple masses or the mass is in a place where complete surgical removal is impossible.

Doug

Thank you for the information. :C

Benadryl blocks histamine, which the Mast Cell tumors produce. When I first started Andy on the Benadryl, there was a red ring around the tumor. After a few days on Benadryl, the redness was gone, and over time, the tumor even appears smaller. However, it is still there but my vet examined it and said it is just there, not getting larger or spreading, and she feels comfortable waiting until the thyroid and liver values are within more normal limits. Shelties have thyroid problems - when we first adopted Andy he had very little fur on his back and a nasty skin condition that required me to give him medicated baths twice a week. He was also taking a higher dose of Soloxine and when his thyroid values were normal, the dose was reduced. Now that he's getting older, he has low thyroid issues again and must take a larger dose. By the way, an injection of Benadryl is given before surgery to prevent complications during the Mast Cell removal. I have read that dogs can go into shock from a massive release of histamine when the tumor is removed. Andy will stay on Benadryl until the tumor is removed, and possible for a short time thereafter. Dr. Doug, I've read and read as much as I could about Mast Cell tumors on the Internet, and I hope I'm giving correct information here. Meanwhile, Andy is doing well - he still eats like a champ and is still active with his toys. Hopefully this situation will be successfully resolved in the new year. Thanks for your good wishes.

Rita

Glad you are getting everything under control and back in check. Prayers here too for a safe surgery when the time comes.

Could you please expand a bit on using Benadryl to keep the tumor in check? Always interested in learning more about any new types of treatments. What did the vet say it would do? Thank you. Rock

Hope it goes well for Andy! Positive thoughts and prayers coming your way!


Pops n' Calvin

I hope it all goes well for Andy...
Not sure I like the waiting part but I don't know a lot about
Mast Cell tumors or what's involved but I really hope it works out well
For your gorgeous Andy.

Sher

Keeping you and him in my thoughts and prayers. It's a good sign the tumor isn't growing.

I am sorry to hear about Andys health issues, we have been out of the loop for over a week without wifi....glad his tumor is not growing while you wait for his levels to improve...that sounds very positive !

May it work for the best. They're our furry children after all.

I hope things go well.