Keratin Overgrowth - Any experience with this out there?

[Diana Erhart]

Back in September my Charlie had a tumor removed from his back leg.  The biopsy showed that it was a benign mass with keratin overgrowth.  Now again this weekend he has developed another of these masses on his front leg.  This time the vet just aspirated it and said that it is the same keratin overgrowth type of mass.  She has left it up to me as to whether I want to remove it or not.  I am thinking of waiting until after the holidays and then have it removed too.  The last one became rather large.  Does anyone out there know anything about this type of mass/tumor?  He seems to be getting one about every three months (he had one before the removal in September but we didn't know what it was and it just pulled off-three months prior in June).  I am concerned a bit about this...glad it isn't cancerous but still worried.  Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Did they name this lesion?

[Diana Erhart]

I looked back on the claim form the vet filled out for PetPlan and it said the diagnosis was a benign mass and the biopsy showed keratin overgrowth.  That is about all the specific information that I have.  The vet just said that any time another would occur that I should take him in to have it aspirated so because since it is a dark color she wants to make sure that it is not cancerous.  I asked if it could become cancerous but never really got a definitive answer.  Made me a little nervous.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Are these the same as keratinized cysts? If so, surgical removal is considered the best treatment, according to the Merck Veterinary manual. http://www.merckmanuals.com/pethealth/dog_disorders_and_diseases/sk...

But if your vet didn't feel removal was urgent, that seems pretty reassuring to me, in terms of it not being anything you need to worry about.

 

[Diana Erhart]

Karen...I read that and it kind of sounds like it might be but I like details and it didn't really give me enough detailed information to make me feel comfortable.  Perhaps I am just being an overly dramatic doodle mom right now.  I just would like a few more specifics about why this happens and if I can expect these to keep cropping up.  I do think that I will continue to get them removed.  I have the pet insurance so it is not a financial problem to have them removed.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I don't think you're being overly dramatic, but I don't think anyone know what causes this kind of thing. JD has several lipomas, and more keep showing up all the time. They don't know why. They also don't know what causes his IBD, which is much more serious. I like details, too, but after researching and reading everything I have been able to find for over a year now, I've had to accept that I'm never going to know why it happened and just focus on treating it.

I have found that the specialists know a lot more about every aspect of every kind of disease than the general practice vets, and can explain things better, although most of JD's specialists have told me that nobody knows what causes (fill in the blank). But if it would make you feel better, you might ask for a referral to a specialist, for a consultation.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Exactly.

[F, Calla & Luca]

It is true that medicine both human and veterinary has gained enormously in terms of many things but for the most part there are still many unknowns as to the etiology of many conditions. The best predictor of health history is the individual's own health history. So since Charlie has had thesis kind of lesion before his chances of having one again is much higher than the average dog. Luckily it was benign.

I advise everyone to keep a brief record of one's own health history. This includes information on diagnoses, procedures, and lab work. Get copies of things and keep them. With so many specialists now, rushed appointments and all kinds of record keeping, you may be the best source of information on your own medical past which predicts the future.

[Diana Erhart]

Agreed!  I am always keeping copies of blood tests, test results and making notes of what the doctors say.  Also, you can get many different opinions on the same information.  My husband has afib and different doctors tell him different things every time.  We just take in all the information and try to make what we feel is the best decision.  That is why I am at a loss right now with Charlie.  I only have this one vet's opinion and since we just moved here a few months ago I don't have the rapport or trust built up yet like I did with his old vet.  And not being able to find much verifiable information on the internet is not helping my knowledge base!  

[Diana Erhart]

And tonight my husband found another little lump on Charlie's tail.  This one is lighter in color than the other ones have been.  Guess I will be calling the vet in the morning to see about getting this one aspirated too.  Ugh.....

[F, Calla & Luca]

Sorry to hear this.

[Diana Erhart]

Thanks F. I really want to believe that these are all harmless but I just have a feeling in my gut that there is more to all of this.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Myla has one on the base of her tail also, I would have to try to find the estimate and diagnosis. The Dr. gave us an estimate to have it removed, but said it probably isn't necessary unless we see changes. Now she has a little one on her side. So we are kind of in the same boat, not sure if they are the same thing though. Both are scary though!

Wishing you luck in the treatment you choose.