Heart murmur

[Jen]

I heard back from vet about biosy on cyst in Maggie’s ear; it is plasma tumor. Vet again didn’t seem to concerned even though it was probably malignant. He thinks he got it all during the removal of cyst & is taking a wait & see approach. At the time of the call, I was preoccupied with infant & toddler in background so I didn’t really wrap my head around what dr was saying. I need to call back for some further explanation/ clarification. A quick google search revealed several types of plasma tumors but some affected things such as bone marrow, WBC, & RBC- seems a big coincidence? Anyone have any experience with plasma tumors?

Thank you!
Jen & Maggie

[admin]

Hi Jen
I’m sorry I don’t have any personal experience with plasma tumours at all. I found this for you:

http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/plasmacytic-tumors/547

I looked at a few other sites as well – Ear canals seem to be a fairly common location & have a really good outcome after complete excision – hence your vet was confident. The deeper tissue forms are more rare apparently (more time needed to develop?). Certain breeds are also susceptible & it says everywhere that older dogs are more prone.

Is this the IMHA trigger? I’m sorry I can’t answer that – I just don’t know but will try to look for more information for you – I hope someone else may have some experience with this. I think you are right to question this further with your vet. In some ways, it might be good to have a definite cause & to know it has been eliminated. Maggie is doing so well, Jen, & as long as she is happy, eating, playing & behaving like she enjoys life, that is great. She is getting so much better & that is what counts. I know you could do without the stress of finding this out – we all like to hear negative results with lumps & bumps & I’m so sorry you have this extra problem to contend with.

Sending much love & hugs to you all
Sheena & the boys xxxxx

[Jen]

Thanks Sheena, I saw that too so I do hope that is the case . I brought mags to vet in aug for cyst on her ear, he thought it was sebaceous cyst similar to one he removed few years back. Two weeks later she was diagnosed with imha. Since then I have pointed out that cyst has been increasing in size at every visit but he was so concerned with imha that “cyst was the least of our worries”. I wanted it removed almost 6 mos ago! I hope we didn’t wait too long! Also he didn’t surgically remove it but rather quickly tied it & cut it off so I hope he got all of it. I would have preferred surgery but at last visit he seemed concerned by how big it got & recommended we just do it then & there.
My poor baby…. She’s such an amazing dog that brings sooo much joy to my life!!!

[Vally]

Jen, I’m sorry there’s always something to keep us on our toes. Lady I work with always says I worry too much – it’s true, but unfortunately, there’s usually something to worry about.

I’m sure it’s gone and gone!!!

Love Vally & Bingo

[admin]

Jen, it’s not fair that they have all these things which make us even more stressed out. If your vet is confident it has all gone, you must be too. These things are often contained in a kind of “sac” so the vets know it’s all GONE. Vally is right – we all become complete & utter worry gutses.

I am umming & aaghing about an external skin overgrowth, probably a cyst, right next to Worzel’s anus as it is slowly getting bigger -it’s like a sac & is not red or painful. It doesn’t bother him in the least & the vet has always assured me it’s benign, but we always keep an eye on it. Not a pleasant place to have something like that & we are concerned about it healing up properly if we remove it. I also worry about anaesthetics as greyhounds don’t do too well, and he’s getting old. After your experience, maybe I should have a rethink & get it removed.

Maggie has obviously been a real star & I know she means the world to you – YOU mean the world to her too and you are doing a wonderful job of taking care of her. It’s only natural to worry – we all do.

Love Sheena xxxxx

[admin]

Dear Jen – just thought I’d send a note from one worry wart to another, to say hello and to please give Maggie and huge hug and smooch from me and Sadie. There is ALWAYS something to keep us on our toes. But so glad you’re continuing the ride, and lovingly doing. So is your wonderful Maggie.

It seems when I’m worried most about Sadie, she senses it and her cuddles help so much. Our pups really do know how much we love them, I’m sure about that!

xo Linda and Sadie

[Jen]

Thank you Linda for the kind words of support! It does seem to always be something to worry about. I’m staying positive as Maggie seems to be feeling well & is eating a lot! She goes back to the vet this Thursday for a CBC before our trip on Friday. Hopefully her levels hold !!!!!

Thank you again Linda, Sheena, & Vally!!!

[admin]

Hi Jen

Good luck with the tests tomorrow – really happy that Maggie is feeling so much better. Let us know how she gets on!
Love & hugs Sheena & the boys