Morans' Day at the Doctors Part 2

At one of Roxy's routine checkups, we noticed a small bump at the top of one of her front legs. It looked like maybe it was a bug or spider bite and was about the size of a pea. At Roxy's checkup this last Saturday, the doctor had another look, because it still hadn't gone away. And Dr. Cotton did a needle aspiration to get some cells to look under the microscope--and she didn't like what she saw and diagnosed it as a mast cell tumor that she recommended removing as soon as possible. So, today we took Roxy in for surgery to have it removed.

Here is a link to info on mastocytoma:
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/mast-cell-tumors-mastocytoma-in-dogs/page1.aspx

They are the most common tumors found in dogs (although usually in older dogs) and the best way to treat them is to completely remove them--which includes removing the skin and inch or two around it. This is why even though it was the size of a pea, the cuts that were made covered a far wider area.

She did well in surgery and is home recovering. Still doesn't have her usual appetite or playfulness back, but I'm sure it'll be back soon enough.

Here's a picture of her at home (dressed in a Halloween bandanna given to her at the Vet's office). She's getting some extra treats and TLC on her road to recovery.

All the little, annoying things your dog may do don't seem to matter much at all when you have to see them sick or hurt. It's something I'll remind myself the next time she decides to chew some furniture. In the meantime, go ahead and give your dog a little extra hug today if you haven't already.