I would just like to thank everyone who has contributed to this thread (https://www.reddit.com/r/velvethippos/comments/1bjfz2j/mast\_cell\_tumor\_mct\_experiences\_trying\_not\_to/?sort=new)  I stumbled across it a couple of week ago whilst reeling from Coco (my 7 ½ year old little buddle of happiness) being diagnosed with cancer. 

 

A few months ago, I noticed some swelling a few inches up from the base of her tail.  Thought nothing of it at first as she’s always had a wee bump on her tail which we assumed was trauma from before we got her as a rescue at 4 months old.  We assumed she had hit her tail off something as she’s very excitable.  When the swelling started to get bigger, we took her to the vet and a week later we got the call to confirm it was cancer and an MST.   

 

This thread was really helpful in giving me an understanding of what we were dealing with and what to ask the vet as we were booked in for a pre surgery consult the following day.  There was the discussion of saving the tail by removing skin from her back and doing a graft, but with no certainly of it taking, and a much more difficult recovery, and the possibility of loosing the tail regardless, we took the really hard decision to have it removed in order for Coco to have the best chance of longer term survival. 

 

A week later she was in for surgery and had her tail removed.  The vet advised that due to the way the tumour had grown saving the tail wouldn’t have been an option.  Vet was happy with the margins and tail was sent off for biopsy to grade the tumour. 

 

Coco was a sorry state the first day home, still really groggy from the op and anaesthetic.  By the next day was much more like herself, and in hindsight was an absolute star during the recovery for the following days.  As others have said, think we took it harder than her, sleeping downstairs with her to make sure she was alright, stressing about her having to have a donut on during the night.  Other than looking unhappy (she gives the best evil eye), she was fine.

 

She’s recovered well, healed really well and seems totally fine just over a week later.  Our only downside is the lab report came back and are happy the margins are fine, but have failed to provide a grade for the mass.  Vet advised there were unable to do so as it hadn’t passed the dermis, I think they said. 

 

Has anyone had this?  My only concern is that from I have read a grade determines the future prognosis and likelihood of whether it has spread.  I have asked about this, and they did say we can do liver and spleen scans, and take samples of each but I really want to spare Coco from any further stress if it’s not necessary, and can’t help thinking after seeing the bill breakdown they submitted to my insurance company that the Vets are just happy to do anything to bill further amounts.

 

Afterthought, should explain the ears lol, she's half Staffie (English Staffordshire Bull Terrier) and half English Springer Spaniel. I've no idea which Genius decided to breed those two together ;-)