{"id":9516,"date":"2024-06-19T17:48:09","date_gmt":"2024-06-19T17:48:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aercmn.com\/?p=9516"},"modified":"2024-06-19T17:48:09","modified_gmt":"2024-06-19T17:48:09","slug":"navigating-a-pets-cancer-diagnosis-part-ii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/navigating-a-pets-cancer-diagnosis-part-ii\/","title":{"rendered":"Navigating a Pet’s Cancer Diagnosis: Part II"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"A<\/p>\n

Part I<\/a><\/strong> of this blog covered my dog\u2019s cancer diagnosis, symptoms of mast cell tumors in dogs, and coping tips. This installment will cover treatment options for mast cell tumors, factors to include in your decision-making process, and where <\/strong><\/span>we\u2019re<\/span> at with Sally\u2019s cancer.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Diagnostics and Medications<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Dr. Meyer prescribed two medications<\/strong> for Sally \u2013 an antihistamine and a stomach protectant (i.e. Pepcid). The reason Sally required these medications is that mast cells are composed of allergy cells<\/strong>. As such, they can release histamine when poked, squeezed, or prodded. Histamine can cause a severe allergic reaction, including life-threatening anaphylactic shock. Avoid touching your dog\u2019s mast cell tumor, and don\u2019t allow them to scratch or chew at it.<\/strong> Mast cells can also cause gastrointestinal ulceration, hence the Pepcid.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Cancer Specialists<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

If this is your pet\u2019s first mast cell tumor, you may not need to visit an oncologist. If your pet has had several, or you\u2019re dealing with a more aggressive cancer type, I would encourage you to do so. Oncologists have the most reliable information about cancer types and treatments.<\/strong> Even if it\u2019s unlikely that you\u2019ll pursue treatment, they can often help you create a plan to keep your pet comfortable at home and help know when it may be time to euthanize.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Treatment Options for Mast Cell Tumors:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Sally saw one of Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota’s oncologists, Dr. Keepman<\/a><\/strong>, the next week. He performed an ultrasound to ensure that there wasn\u2019t additional cancer elsewhere in Sally\u2019s body. Fortunately, no metastasis was seen.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You may be wondering exactly how it was discovered that Sally had cancer. Dr. Meyer<\/a><\/strong>, Sally\u2019s dermatologist, diagnosed her mast cell tumor<\/strong> with a fine needle aspirate sample; fine needle aspiration (FNA) employs a needle and syringe to extract a sample of cells from a suspicious lump. <\/strong>The cells are then examined under a microscope to determine if they are cancerous or benign. FNA is the most common way to diagnose mast cell tumors, although biopsy may also be used.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n