Question about tumors

[Mollysmom]

We just learned our sweet little cocker spaniel has two mammary tumors. They weren't there at her last vet visit 8 months ago. The vet suggested removing them for biopsy so we will be calling a surgeon. Has anybody had any experiences with this kind of problem? Any suggestions for things we need to be aware of as we go forward?? Thanks so much! As you can imagine, I'm very worried.

[tftmom]

I had a Cairn many years ago who had a mammary tumor. I was especially concerned since she had previously had a mastocytoma removed. Her mammary tumor was benign. Lets hope the best for your girl.

[catcher T]

thats a tough one,,I personally do not have them biopsied,,my logic is,,if it comes back cancer,,can I really put out the money for chemo? from what I understand is,most times they can't give the dog enough chemo to cure the dog completely,,maybe just buy more time,,just for grins,,was she spayed at an older age? or not at all?

[Mollysmom]

Thanks for the responses -
Sorry I didn't get back to the earlier poster - our computer's been down and boy did I miss it. I'm glad your girl's tumors were benign - Molly is scheduled for surgery Tuesday and we're hoping hers are benign as well!!!

Yep - Molly hadn't been spayed when we adopted her (she was 3). This made her risk for the tumors much greater, even though we did have her spayed. Another reason to spay young dogs! Anyway, we are going ahead and having the tumors removed and biopsied - so we know what we're dealing with. I decided I needed to know if her time was limited. Chemo apparently doesn't do much for mammary tumors, so I don't think we'd put her through it, just try and help her be happy for the time she has. Yuck - I hate even thinking about it - hopefully, she's fine!
Thanks again.

[dogma]

Not faulting you Molly's mom BUT...These type of tumors almost never occur in spayed animals. Spaying as soon as possible is the best pre-emptive strike against them. Estrogen and testosterone feed tumors of all kinds, removing the ovaries or testes will slow the growth of almost any kind of cancer. Cancer is more likely to kill a younger dog than an older one for the same reason. Older pets often die with the cancer rather than from it.

You might look into some dietary changes. Certain tumors can be slowed by adjusting the diet - for instance a fat-free diet, or high protein depending on the circumstances. Also you could consider the BARF diet (Bones And Raw Food) that is quite popular. Personally I balk at the idea of feeding bones but the concept of removing the preservatives and unknown ingredients from your pets diet is based on sound scientific evidence of a connection between them and cancer.

[tftmom]

To avoid this type of tumor a female has to be spayed prior to her first heat cycle.