Bindo

Well finally an answer to Lucy's latest problems but not what we wanted to hear. Cutaneous lymphoma. Explains all the symptoms and problems with her feet. Lesions now starting to appear around her eyes/nose and in her mouth. We are not going to confirm with biopsy as it would mean a GA/surgery and I am not putting her through any more suffering. No evidence of links to the MCT, but I feel that it certainly is related to a compromised immune system. We will keep her comfortable, as long as she is happy/mobile and still eating, but I am not going to prolong her life for my benefit. At this stage, I want to her have a lovely last day while she is still relatively well, eat the biggest bone she has ever eaten (hasn't been allowed one for over a year now) and then drift off to sleep at home with her family.Then, when the time is right, we will scatter her and Darcy's (previous boy) ashes at our place in the mountains, their favourite place of all times. They can chase kangaroos together to their heart's content. Thanks to everyone on here for their support during our journey over the past year or so, and best wishes to all those with their own challenges.

Sorry Anne, just re-read your post and question about inflammation. Lucy's MCT was inflammed and bleeding/weepy - this happened very quickly over a few days and was what prompted the vet visit. However, a number of vets have said how hard they are to pick up clinically without testing as they can present in all different ways. Interestingly, it was a vet in a regional area who first suggested MCT when the 'interdigital cyst' recurred after the first surgery, while we were away for the weekend. Edit: Many thanks guys for your thoughts and wishes, means a great deal. :)

Hi Anne, sorry to hear about Boof's latest worries, hope it turns out OK. Lucy's MCT in the paw originally looked just like an interdigital cyst - she had had one before and it just went away on its own. I think this is why the vet wasn't worried at first. The MCT just didn't clear and it was both in between her claws from a top view, and then there was a sinus like formation where it had spread between her pads from looking under her feet (hope this makes sense). Local vet (at the time, not now!) did two excisions but it grew back both times, before histo was finally done. Hate to say it but I fear that it has returned. She is having terrible problems with her skin, particularly feet with inflammed swollen pads,and despite seeing dermatologists and trying different regimes, even now on steroids things are not improving. She has had two aspirations of this horrible lump that has appeared on the same paw, but both results clear of MCT cells. However, even the dermatologist is suspicious and if it doesn't reduce this week, she wants to see her again and will get the oncologist to have a look this time, ? biopsy. There is a similar looking lump on her back foot too Smiley, this is why I haven't yet posted on your website, as I need to find out a bit more this week. We have already decided that if the MCT has returned, we are not going to put her through any more surgery or chemo. Even if not, we are currently going through some difficult decisions about her quality of life with the skin problems as it is becoming increasingly difficult for her to walk (due to the sore pads) and she seems to have lost her 'zing'. Can't remember the last time she tried to play with a toy and spends most of the day trying to hide under my bed. Heartbreaking. I just want to make the right decision by her and at the right time.

Many thanks Smiley! Yes, I realised this week that we are up to the first anniversary of diagnosis - pretty good considering the pathology prognosis was 4 months. I will write up a full update with pictures tomorrow. :)

Hi Dave, I can understand how devastated you feel, went through a similar experience this time last year, when my 8 year old schnauzer was diagnosed with mast cell tumour of the paw. Her thread here: Lucy's story I'm another one who would thoroughly recommend Veronika Langova at SASH. She is so warm and empathetic and does not push you into treatment you don't want. Her husband, Martin Havlicek, is a specialist surgeon there too, and he operated on Lucy (amputation of two toes) and then Veronika followed up with chemotherapy. Lucy's path prognosis was 4 months (high grade MCT) but she is still here today. SASH is not cheap (I think there is a wing named after us now!!) but the service is fantastic, from reception staff, vet nurses and the vets. They really take the time to get to know each animal very well, and to try to put them at ease under difficult circumstances. Good luck for you and your girl in the journey ahead. :)

So sorry to hear about Joey's worsening condition. You are doing the right thing - he is surrounded by his dogs and humans who love him deeply, and I'm sure he senses this.

So sorry to hear this Wuffles about Satchmo. He was a gorgeous boy and you did everything to give him quality time until the end.

Totally agree with this. We have international friends visiting at Christmas time, very dog savvy, and for part of this time they were going to stay at our place while we did the interstate Christmas visit. Worked both ways - they get accommodation and we get dog minders. However, they are now bringing relatives with a small child (1 yr), which totally changes the situation, as one of mine is fearful of children. Even if I thought both of them were great with kids, there is no way that I would have left them together, with me not around to supervise (as per Megan's options above). By the way, they are both small dogs - mini schnauzers. My heart goes out to the mother and grandmother in this tragic event, and the poor little boy who lost his life.

Thanks Rural Pug. I actually called about Jolly Jacques last night but it seems he is already out on a trial. I have left my number in case it doesn't work out. Many thanks for the tip!

Many thanks for those links guys! I will pass them on to my FIL, to see if he thinks any are suitable. While there are probably plenty of great dogs in NSW (where I am)I'd rather a local SA rescue, as that way we can make sure it works for all parties. :)

Thanks Mita, I hope so too, they will make a little dog very happy.

Our neighbours in the bush had a pony who had been fine with 3 sheep in the paddock with her for years, then one day she must have snapped and killed one of the sheep and was trying to attack another when the owners found her. They wouldn't have believed it unless they had seen it!

Hi everyone, just wondering if any of the SA rescue groups have a small mature dog that would suit an older couple in Adelaide (my in-laws). Their little poodle cross was given her wings this week (nearly 19!) and they are missing her terribly. Although they are in their late 70's early 80's, my MIL is still fine to take the dog for walks and they are at home most of the time. There is a back up plan (their daughter) if they cannot look after the dog at any stage. The house is one level, secure yard front and back and dog door in place. I have sent links to them for some SA rescue sites for them to look at, but also thought I would check here too. An oldie whose owner has passed away or gone into care would probably be ideal. Many thanks for any suggestions. :)

Quick Lucy update for others who may be on a similar journey (and old cyber friends!). We are still working on the yeast problems (paws/ears) but getting there I hope. Have been adding some omega oils to her diet, together with apple cider vinegar in water, as well as the malaseb washes and now ear drops (Dermotic). Just in case of thyroid issues and as she had been drinking/weeing a bit more lately (?diabetes) we had a few tests done and also went back to SASH for a checkup today. Urine test was all clear (got a good sample on first try!), and her bloods today were also good. They gave her a check up all over and also a chest x-ray. Pleased to report (while touching every wooden object) that at the moment, all is clear. Like me, the vet did notice that she had lost a bit of condition/weight, but not drastically. She has been on a low fat diet since her pancreatitis in January, so they feel that this is probably contributing, in the absence of any signs of MCT spread. So, madam will be in seventh heaven as she can now have a bit more to eat, both quantity and variety, while still watching fat contents etc. Appetite is NEVER an issue with her, so hopefully she will slowly gain a bit of weight. The vet also said that her (sometimes) lack of energy may have been related to the food issues so we shall see how that goes. As I really didn't think last October (diagnosis date) that she would be here now, we take very day as a blessing, and enjoy watching her and Missy together. I have a lovely photo of both of them before the open fire in our cottage, after a big day of 'hunting' kangaroos (in their dreams :laugh: ). Will post it up when I'm more organised. :)

Same for me with my rescue dog. She is getting better (now 5 months on) but still will walk away if I'm out of sight. Of course, then 'the hoover' (Lucy) will dive in and finish it off if I'm not careful :laugh:

Great news Anne! Boof looks like a very happy boy! :) You must be so relieved.

This is more a story than a suggestion, but maybe for consideration. A friend of mine lived in the USA for a while and she and hubby had a mini schnauzer in their apartment (in a block where dogs were banned - don't ask). That dog was amazing; trained never to bark, used to get into an overnight bag to go downstairs via the lift and outside, never made a noise and never got found out. From my MS experience, some are yappier than others. One of my girls is a barker when nervous/stressed or the doorbell rings, but apart from that, neither of them are yappers when home alone, either together or apart. Other good points for apartment living are non-shedding coats, a walk a day keeps them happy and good bladders :laugh:

I'm not sure what the situation is in Victoria, but I would be very careful when walking with dogs off lead in state forests where hunting is allowed. The state forest behind our property in the central tablelands is now open to hunters (including with pig dogs), and I am extremely wary about when and how I walk there now with my two dogs. With a wild dog population, I am sure it would be 'shoot first, ask questions later' if a dog or two was in the sights of certain (not all) hunters.

I am lead to believe that is the reason for the new grading system. The new system uses other characteristics to determine the potential for the tumour to cause an escalation of concern. All of Boof's have been low grade on the new system, and grade 1 and 2 on the older scale. Yes, that's right Anne. Lucy's was graded as Patnaik grade 3 (old system) and Kiupel = high (new one). Neither a good result And they also use the mitotic index, higher being worse (hers was 13). This is the information from the pathology report on the two systems: This tumour has been graded using both the traditional Patnaik system and also using the recently published consensus grading system endorsed by ACVP and WSAVA (Kiupel M et al. Proposal of a 2-tier histologic grading system for canine cutaneous mast cell tumors to more accurately predict biological behaviour. Vet Pathol 2011, 48:147-55). This new grading system appears to be a better predictor of survival than the Patnaik grading system. According to the novel grading system, high-grade MCTs were significantly associated with shorter time to metastasis or new tumour development, and with shorter survival time. The median survival time was less than 4 months for high-grade MCTs but more than 2 years for low-grade MCTs.

I would also see if you can find out (small biopsy) what the grade of the tumour is, then you will have more knowledge for decision making. As Anne has said, it is probably low grade, otherwise it would have spread to other locations by now. When my dog was diagnosed with MCT grade 3, she was given (statistically) 4 months without treatment. She had a radical excision (two toes) and chemotherapy, and is still here 9 months later (see other thread for more details). The oncologist vet at the time did say though that MCT's are very unpredictable, and she has seen some dogs with low grade not do so well, and others with high grade survive for quite a while. Is the vet a specialist surgical vet? If possible depending on where you are located, it might be advisable to get a specialist oncolcogy vet (surgeon) to review her case. Good luck with the decision. :)

Oh, gwp4me, my heart goes out to you. I just turned the computer on and saw this. I am so, so sorry for you, a horrible but necessary decision. You did the most amazing job in fighting for Struppie and making his last year or so the best you could. He is now pain free and with his beloved brother, Strolchie. The next few weeks will be tough, so take care and go easy on yourself. Never a replacement, but at least you have the other dogs to love and cherish in this difficult time. Lots of cyber hugs

I was thinking the same thing. Mini schnauzers can be very sensitive dogs and can react to things that other dogs wouldn't blink an eye at. For example, one of my mine goes to hide under the bed whenever I turn the footy on TV as she knows there will be some 'reaction' from me at some stage :) A relative's dog 'remembered' the clothes she was wearing when she was upset/yelling one day (not at the dog) and used to run and hide with tail down whenever those clothes reappeared. Of course, it can be less obvious than this and not easy to work out the trigger. However, even though he seems well, the first thing I would do is a vet check. They are not the most stoic dogs either and even minor complaints can make them out of sorts. A friend's last week was eating/drinking fine, but from time to time just sitting and shivering. A vet check found some arthritis/inflammation (he is 8)and now on medication is a lot happier. I can understand what a worry this is, so hope you get to the bottom of it soon.

Well I finally got some photos of Lucy. She's so funny, when she sees the camera she walks right up and pokes her face in the lens, so trying to get a decent shot is hard. Enjoying the sun at home: The girls together in the bush (bit of bad hair day, burrs everywhere!): You can see where Lucy's paws are brown from her licking, but happy to report that now that I am back home and the bathing/medication regime is back on track, things are improving. She's not as keen for long walks these days, but still wakes up every morning rolling around in her bed and then 'killing' any toy within reach, so can't complain at all. :)

Aw, God love him! After reading his and Strolchie's story in Rainbow Bridge (how terrible for you Gwp4me), you can now understand that he certainly is a fighter. May he enjoy his days in the sunshine, eating whatever he wants and being generous with his slobbery kisses. Thanks for the lovely photo. Big hugs to you all.

Satch looks like he is recovering well and enjoying all the attention - gorgeous boy! Hope the long term outcome is good and you enjoy many more years together. :)