My Shitzu has Mammary Tumors

My Shitzu has Mammary Tumors

Our gorgeous 12-year-old Shitzu, Poppy, has just undergone major surgery to remove several mammary tumours. The vet said the operation went very well and Poppy should make a full recovery.

She had her stiches removed 2 weeks ago and we have just noticed she has another large lump (the same as before) in exactly the same place. We have made an apppointment to go back to the vet tomorrow but are worried that she may have to have another operation.

I know that money doesn't really come into it but we paid one thousand pounds for the operation 5 weeks ago and already it seems the tumours have returned.

Please could somebody advise us as to where we stand, as we were given the impression by the vet that the operation (complete mammary strip and removal of 5 tumours) could extend her life by 4/5 years.

We do not have pet insurance (stupid we know) and cannot afford to pay 1000 pounds every 5 weeks if these keep recurring. I would be most grateful for any help. We really do not want to say 'goodbye' to Poppy but also cannot see her suffer any further :(

Regards

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My Shitzu has Mammary Tumors

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Sep 24, 2010
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Thank you xx
by: Amanda

Thank you so much for your comments about our little dog 'Poppy'. I wanted to keep you posted as we took her to the Vets this evening and he seems to think it is inflammation of the tissues and not another tumor. This is obviously fantastic news but we are slightly confused as the vet has given us anti-inflammatories and antibiotics for her but said if the lump/swelling doesn't go down by next Friday, they may have to do more surgery! I didn't think they did surgery on an inflamed tissue and am wondering if this is what it really is or did the vet just not remove it all the first time?

I know this sounds terribly sceptical but we are so confused. Any advice very much appreciated.

Regards Amanda

Sep 24, 2010
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poppy
by: Anonymous

Try the BUDWIG diet - google it and read about how for many years humans and animals - even in terrible stages of cancer - benefit from this. It's easy - cottage cheese and flax seed oil - has to be blended so that it turns to a creamy consistency - twice a day - and feed Poppy no chemicals - only organic. My dog is on it and has energy and hopefully its battling his tumors too. Read about it - it might save dear Poppy.

Also - a product called VITALITY SCIENCE (natural too) saved my cat from stomach cancer - I'm using both for my dog.

Good luck!
(PAULIE'S MOM S.)

Sep 23, 2010
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Mammary Tumors
by: Hazel

Hi,

Sorry to hear that Poppy has another mammary tumor right after the first surgery. This indicates that the first surgery was not aggressive enough. Most likely the surgical margins still contain cancerous cells ("dirty margin"), and a second surgery may be needed to completely remove the cancerous cells.

It is difficult to tell whether the second surgery, if performed, can totally eradicate the cancer and how long Poppy's life can be extended depends on a lot of things, such as the size of the tumor. Large aggressive ones usually have a poor prognosis. Since the tumor has come back just 2 weeks after the surgery, it seems pretty aggressive.

Your vet will most likely do additional tests to see if the cancer has metastasized to any lymph nodes or the lungs.

Sorry this doesn't sound too positive but please work with your vet and ask him/her to conduct tests to find out if the cancer has metastasized, and if so, to what extent. Without this information, it is difficult to decide whether a second surgery is justified or useful.

Good luck and keep us informed.

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