{"id":9507,"date":"2024-06-12T18:05:39","date_gmt":"2024-06-12T18:05:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aercmn.com\/?p=9507"},"modified":"2024-06-12T18:05:39","modified_gmt":"2024-06-12T18:05:39","slug":"navigating-a-pets-cancer-diagnosis-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/navigating-a-pets-cancer-diagnosis-part-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Navigating a Pet\u2019s Cancer Diagnosis: Part I"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"A<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a mast cell tumor.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dr. Meyer’s words hit like a ton of bricks. I had taken my dog, Sally, to a routine annual checkup with her dermatologist, and Dr. Meyer<\/a> had taken a fine needle aspirate sample of a small lump on Sally\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n

With few exceptions, Sally has always been healthy. A schnauzer Pomeranian cross, she came into my life when she was found, at eight weeks old, inside a dumpster. She is a bright, cheerful dog, and always enthusiastic about life. To say I was not expecting a diagnosis of cancer for Sally was an understatement.<\/p>\n

Dr. Meyer gave me a chair to sit on and I started to cry. I have worked in veterinary medicine for most of my life. In my mind, the words \u201cmast cell tumor\u201d have always been associated with death and destruction. What follows is all I have learned since Sally\u2019s diagnosis.<\/p>\n

Maybe your pet is facing the same kind of cancer; that wouldn\u2019t be surprising since mast cell tumors are the most common type of skin tumor found in dogs.<\/strong> If that is the case, I\u2019m glad you found this blog, and I hope it is helpful to you.<\/p>\n

\"Two<\/p>\n

Symptoms\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

I had found the small lump on Sally\u2019s chest<\/strong> before her dermatology appointment, but I knew that older dogs could get lumps and bumps that weren\u2019t of concern, so I hadn\u2019t rushed to the vet to have it examined. Also, this lump seemed to come and go, sometimes obvious to the touch, sometimes less so. I later learned that mast cell tumors will shrink and swell alternately. Mast cell tumors can also be red, ulcerated, or look like a bug bite.<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Because these tumors can go unnoticed by pet owners, it is important that your pet receives regular veterinary care. Your veterinarian will perform a thorough examination to ensure that lumps and bumps are documented and tested. Catching mast cell tumors early, before they have time to grow large and potentially spread, is important to your pet\u2019s long-term survival.<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Close-up

Photo by R A Bassett Photography<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n

Coping with Your Pet\u2019s Diagnosis<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Following<\/span> is what has been helpful to m<\/span>y mental health during this time<\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Limiting internet searches<\/span><\/strong>.<\/strong> <\/span><\/span>I understand you <\/span>probably found<\/span> this article via the internet, but I would encourage you to limit the information you consume<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span> Below<\/span> are some well-respected sources for information on cancer in pets. Your veterinarian may also have resources to recommend.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\n