Question:
Hi I am new to this group and would like to know if anyone can help me.
My dog went for surgery last week to have a mass removed on her lower abdoman. It developed very quickly. Prior to surgery she had blood tests done which were all normal. She also had x-rays done. The only possible abnormality was a very small spot on her lung but the vet thought it may just be a blood vessel. The mass was sent to the pathologist and the results couldn't have been worse. It is anaplastic mammary carcinoma and according to the pathologist it is the worst of the worst and her prognosis is very poor. He seems to think that if it hasn't spread to the lymph nodes and or lungs yet it will soon. I was just wondering if anyone else has ever had a dog with this diagnosis. She is energetic and eating very well at the moment and does not appear to be in any pain. I would just like to know what I can expect next.........more tumours? or will it spread elsewhere such as her lungs without any more tumours. I was told that this cancer is not responsive to any treatment. I know that eventually she will have to be put to sleep to stop her suffering but I would like to have a vague idea how much longer I have with her. Although she is a ten year old dog I am not ready to lose her. If anyone has any ideas what I can do to maybe help make her remaining time as happy and pain free as possible. She is a great friend and will be greatly missed when her time comes
Thank you in advance.
and sorry for rattling on
Kerry

Answer:
I am very sorry Kerry

I don't know much about this form of cancer but can direct you to someone who may be able to answer some questions for you.

There is a very sweet professor of onocology at Ohio State University
by the name of Dr Couto, I am very sure if you email him, he would happily answer some questions for you, he normally will respond quite quickly unless he is away for a conference. He has helped me out before when I had some questions.

http://www.vet.ohio-state.edu/GuillermoCouto.htm

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Thank you so much I will email him tonight...........thank you again

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myteil, I wish you could receive private messages - I typed one, but you are unable to receive it. or atleast I could email you. I know Im not supposed to do this, but if you can email me on **********
I hope you get this before administration wipes it from this message. (please admin, give her a chance to write it down)

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I have no advice for you but just wanted to send some good thoughts and positive vibes your way .

Big hugs to you both .

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I'm sorry to hear about your girl.i don't have any advice.
just wanted to say sorry and give for the both of you.

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My thought are with you mytiel, I'm hoping you find what you need to get you throught this

sorry I can't offer any advice just thoughts for you and girl

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My eyes blurred reading your email...i'm sure it's all of our worst fear when we find a lump of any kind on our furry kids. I'm sorry I can't offer you any information on what is to come for you, but I wish you all the strength to get through it, and know that you'll do what's best for your baby
R & C

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I just want to thank all of you for your warm wishes. So many people look at you like you are crazy when you are upset about losing a friend. The say it is only a dog you can get another one. They really don't understand the love you feel for what I consider a member of the family. It is so nice to know that there are other people out there who understand.
thank you all again and I will keep you updated ............so far she is fine so I am just enjoying every minute with her
Kerry

Answer:
mytiel,the comments"it's only a dog/cat"come from people who have never experienced the love we get and give back to our four-legged babies.
We are the lucky ones,even though we will have to say good-bye before we are ready too,if we ever are
I have no advice either,just a comforting hug,for you and your girl

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I agree and thank you for your warm thoughts it is so appreciated.

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