[spiky]

My 4 yr-old ****zu/Maltese was found to have a lump on her side in May 06. After several visits and different courses of antibiotics over a 2-month period, the affected area just would not heal completely. Then, another lump was discovered on the other side of her body. This time she was taken to a veterinary hospital where she was kept over night and had samples taken for further investigation. She has been given a 14-day course of antibiotics and skin wash to treat skin infection caused by her constant scratching. The vet says she may have one of the 3 types of cancer, namely mastcell tumour, histiocytoma or lymphoma. She is to return for further ultrasound scan as well as x-ray on 28/8 and have discussion on treatment plan once the correct type of cancer is diagnosed.
Just wonder if any other pet lover out there has had this unenviable experience to share.

Spiky

[allozier]

my nine year old lab/chow mix quit eating on me. I took her to the vet and had her checked out . Everything seemed normal on the x-rays and blood test and fecal exams, but after a couple more weeks she still was not eating like she should. So I took her to the university of Missouri teaching hosp. and had her diagnosed with ultra sound and tissue samples. Her test came back positive for lymphoma. They gave me several options to try. Steroids, chemo and to let nature take its course. I opted for the steroids,( the chemo would have been over 3,000 dollars much more than I could afford) She has been on them for about 2 weeks now and she is doing great her appetite has improved but is very selective in what she eats. The doctors. Have assured me that is only going to last for a short period and the cancer will take over. So I am going to enjoy her for as long as I can before I have to make that dreadful decision.