Lumps and bumps-(Cancer)

[Debbie, Brianna and Duncan]

Last month, I noticed that our little 2yr old Brianna had developed a small lump between her lower canine tooth and the front small tooth. I called our vet, and got her right away. He said not to worry, it is only a Gingival Hyperplasia, and probably caused from an irritation. He sent us home to keep an eye on it for changes, etc. and recommended removing it if it becomes uncomfortable or have it remove during a routine dental procedure. O.K. that is not a problem, and made me very happy it was nothing. Well, about two weeks later, I noticed it was bleeding, probably from the upper Canine tooth coming down on top I thought and so I called the vet again and he said not to worry and it is a simple Gingivectomy (lop off of the lump) and so we did this. I did insisted that a biopsy be sent in. He mentioned the cost, I told him to go ahead and biopsy the lump. Well, our little lump according to the Histopathology Report is called a Plasmacytoma, a Plasma Cell Tumor. It states this particular neoplasm is considered to be one of the more pleomorphic types and thus, these can have more aggressive local behavior and metastasize.......and the Prognosis is fair. We have now gone for a second opinion from another vet that came highly recommended (this is good reference to alt. vets http://www.perseusfoundation.org/new-petowner/visit.cfm ) And we have been using them for our other dog with medical issues with good outcome. We are on an alt. treatment protocol for her and we will be back for a re check in a couple of weeks. Concurrently looking at an Oncologist in Glendale, WI. Does anyone have experience with Veterinary Oncologists? Thanks much, Debbie and little Brianna

Update 10/27/09 Not the best news.....I took Brianna in for a checkup on Friday. She is doing so well, and thought this would go so smooth. But, I saw this pimple sized (looks a lot like a canker sore) growth behind the lower Canine tooth on the bottom, on the same side as the original tumor. It is very small! Even he mentioned it was too small to even biopsy. The vet sent the report of this to the Oncologist that we are seeing. I just spoke with receptionist over the phone today and the Onc wants to do another Biopsy through their dentist.....I asked a ton of question regarding depth and all but she could not answer this. I will be getting a call back as soon as the records make it over to the dentist specialist and then we will be making an appointment along with the info in what she wants them to do. :(((

Update 11-17-09Finally!! I got the low-down! NO second biopsy (yet) wait and watch. After the Onc. office called-I wanted more info....this is been killing me. No word for two and a half weeks on what she was prescribing and having us do....The Onc was out for the first week at a seminar, then went on vacation I guess....I called our vet during the first week when she was out ...he did the original Biopsy, to see if maybe he could get a message in to her and get something back...nothing! Ok, I took Brianna into him and had him look at this regrowth behind the tooth. He said it would be too small to biopsy (just like the alt vet said), but agreed there is something there, and could be a scar! O.K. now what? He called back yesterday that the Onc. finally called and they discussed the findings....there was a miscommunication with the Alt vet and report, and she had in Brianna's chart that any regrowth means second biopsy, and why she just wanted me to jump her into the dentist! Crums sake, I could have done just that and while she was on VACATION had my poor baby under the knife! Ok I am done venting, but I am taking this a much better new and thankful AGAIN it looks like we are going to be just fine.......

[Debbie, Brianna and Duncan]

Hi Nancy, I sure hope it will be again tomorrow. She said she would be shocked to find out the clar will end up being poor news. hey, how is that cute Ned? Brianna says woof woof!!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I am so THRLLED to hear the good news!! We all were sitting on pins and needles wth you! Gives us all hope!

[Debbie, Brianna and Duncan]

Thanks so much Adrianne we are so hopeful too, we are still waiting for the call from the Onc. Maybe it will be next week!?! The wait is so difficult, I really appreciate yours and eveyones support. Which is so helpful. I will post asap when we get the news.p

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

What great news Deb!....Still waiting for Blake's pathology report on my end but the vet is hopeful.....Let's hope that we both get some great news.....Hang in there honey and we are thinking of you.......

[Adrianne Matzkin]

My 3 Doodles have their paws crossed and are sending positive Doodle thoughts and prayers for Blake and Brianna! This is the 'praying' pose (actually they were praying I would stop with the pictures and give them their cheese snack LOL)

[Debbie, Brianna and Duncan]

Hi Jacquie, how are you both? I have been thinking about Blake and hopeful the results came back with good result. Please drop me a line, L, Deb

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Ned sends his best hugs and kisses to Brianna - he made her a get well mudpie.

[Ellen aka BeauBeau's Mom]

Beau has just developed a tumor on his upper left lip and I am beside myself with worry. The vet wants to remove it tomorrow and have it biopsied. I am writing to ask if any of you were charged anywhere near his estimate of $608? He also recommended I get his teeth cleaned again while he is under for a grand total of $832.30. Not that my sweetheart has any limit on his worth....this is just a shock and I wanted to compare notes before going into debt. I do have the VPI insurance, (thank the Lord!), but I don't think they will reimburse anywhere near even a third of this.

[Debbie, Brianna and Duncan]

Hi Ellen I have been Mia lately without a computor. I just saw your reply to our post. That amount did seem high, but the procedure may be differant. I sure hope all results are good. I am very sorry that your BeauBeau is going through this. We will be thinking of you both, please keep us updated. Debbie Brianna and Duncan.

[Ellen aka BeauBeau's Mom]

Thanks so much for responding! I am waiting now for the results of the biopsy. He has eight stitches, which need to stay in for 10 days to 2 weeks. They did do his teeth too while he was under. I'm sure the spot is very sore, but they told me there is nothing I can put on it. They expected me to keep an enormous cone on his head for the entire two weeks. Since he is not biting, licking or even scratching the area, that is just not going to happen. I feel like the poor little guy has been put through enough recently, without having to wear that gigantic lampshade on his head. There should be no cosmetic remainder when all is healed....I just pray that this is the end of this, and no further treatment is necessary. Thank you so very much for caring!

[Debbie, Brianna and Duncan]

You are so very welcome, and we do care so much for our doodles....they are so like our own kids, aren't they? We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and hope and pray that no further treatment is necessary. I hope he is feeling better from the procedure and the stiches are not giving him any trouble. Oh I know those cones are horrible. My Chuckie pulled a nail out several years ago, and I couldn't keep a cone on him to save my soul....

Please keep me posted, hugs to Beau!! and you too!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Glad to hear the tumor was benign. Do you know what it was?