Apparently mast cell tumors are not uncommon in certain breeds like boxers (as they age). I'm not sure what cocktail of DNA my dog is made of, but I think there is some boxer in there. She had two growths removed and one more biopsied, and all were positive. The good news is that two of them were completely removed, but the bad news is that one is still in her and it is a bit ambiguous. She had another growth removed several years ago which was also positive, and we thought that it was all removed. This time however, her vet suggested that I take her to an oncologist. She is a great dog, and like a member of the family, I just hope I can afford to help her. I hope to find out later this week what the plan is going to be.
Update 4/8/2014 - Took her to see a veterinary oncologist who was pretty hopeful about her prospects. She had an x-ray yesterday and it looked clear, but her vet is sending it out to have a radiologist review it, and next up are some abdominal ultrasounds to make sure it has not spread. Of course none of this stuff is cheap, but it makes at least some sense to get it taken care of now, rather than risk it spreading. I also need to get her scheduled to see a surgeon to do the removal of the subcutaneous mass and excise some of the skin around one of the previously removed tumors (to get a bit more margins).
Update 4/8/2014 - Took her to see a veterinary oncologist who was pretty hopeful about her prospects. She had an x-ray yesterday and it looked clear, but her vet is sending it out to have a radiologist review it, and next up are some abdominal ultrasounds to make sure it has not spread. Of course none of this stuff is cheap, but it makes at least some sense to get it taken care of now, rather than risk it spreading. I also need to get her scheduled to see a surgeon to do the removal of the subcutaneous mass and excise some of the skin around one of the previously removed tumors (to get a bit more margins).
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