Mast Cell Tumor

Sorry I have been away so long. My computer started behaving very badly, and I had to take it in to be repaired, which took three weeks. I just got my computer back today and am very glad to be back!!!!

I had a hard time deciding wether or not to put this here or on my other blog (The BARF Blog). Due to the large number of greyhounds affected by cancer, and this blog being read by many greyhound people, I have decided to put news on Riley's cancer here on this blog. Riley however is not a greyhound, he is an American Eskimo. The kind of cancer Riley has (mast cell tumor) is considered one of the most treatable kinds there is. He was diagnosed March 30th (2 weeks ago) with a carpal mast cell tumor. Riley is not my first dog to have mast cell tumors. We had a chihuahua that had a few show up on her mammary glands, and we caught it in time, and they were removed and she did just fine after that, not even needing chemo.

Riley is a trickier situation though, because the only way to remove his mast cell tumor on his wrist, is to fully amputate that leg. At 14 years old, with some moderate arthritis and mild blindness, and a low pain threshold, we have opted not to do this, especially as front legs bear more weight than back legs.

Originally this tumor was diagnosed as a soft tissue injury. When it grew instead of gettng better, we went back to the vet and that was when we found out it was a mast cell tumor. We were very upset at first, as it is inoperable except by amputation, and Riley is already in pain. I feared euthanasia may not be too far off. I did not have my computer, so I couldn't research as in depth as I wanted to. I still have not done alot of research on this yet. Anyways, our vet called us a couple days after the diagnosis, and referred us to MSU. MSU has a whole section of their veterinary hospital devoted to treating pets with cancer. They have all the most advanced treatments there. So we went to MSU last Friday. (April 10th)

Riley at MSU, waiting to be seen by vet. (Note tumor on wrist, on your right)

A series of tests were done on Riley at MSU, including an ultrasound. Good news is the cancer has not spread to the organs. Even more good news, there is a new chemotherapy drug specifically for mast cell tumors. It is still in research stages though. Riley will be getting this chemotherapy drug that is under research. He will get 4 doses, three weeks apart, and then we will see how he is doing and figure out the rest of the plan after that. Riley's case will be closely watched by the makers of the new chemo drug. They are always researching and trying to come up with more ways to help pets with cancer, which is an exciting thing. The chemo will be free of charge due to Riley being part of the study/research.