Cell Biopsy

My dog Sadie has a mass in the middle of her lung and after ultrasounds and x-rays a cell biopsy was sent off on Friday afternoon to see what it is.

We were told the results should be with us on Tuesday but its now Wednesday and nothing. I phoned the vets who said they would hurry it up, but how long do the results normally take to come through?

We have also been told that they may not get any diagnosis because its only a cell biopsy and if they cannot get anything from the cells, she may have to be referred for a full biopsy and a CT scan.

Its very worrying.

 

When Ive had biopsys done which has been on external lumps, I think the last time it took about a week to come back.

So sorry you have these problems it is very worrying and awful waiting for the results, hope that you hear soon and they can tell you what it is and that its nothing to worry about.

 

Thankfully not had to wait a week as the vet just phoned, but the results were inconclusive. So we are being referred to a specialist in Surrey.

The appointment is for 6 days time - the earliest they can do.

 

Although its still worrying and you have to wait yet again the good news is that so far they havent found anything nasty either. Another members dog had I think a fine needle aspiration recently and that was inconclusive as well and when they finally removed the lump it wasnt sinister, so hoping when you see the specialist the news will be good too.

 

I hope so but the wait is worrying because she is panting so much (mainly evening).

She was given a steriod injection to increase her appetite and then put on prednidale 25mg tabs x 1 and a half per day.

Because the injection was given in the evening we were told to continue with the prednidale tabs the same time the next day - but I read you should give these tabs in the morning?

Shes been on prednidale since last Friday - should I switch to the morning?

She is currently on 1 tab per day which I plan to reduce to half a tablet per day, then quarter. Is this right as although the vet said the dose needs to be reduced gradually she didn't give us specific instructions?

 

Mine have only ever been given a one off steroid injection and then I always question and try to avoid them like the plague, although there have been times when they have had their uses. Even with the injections Ive found they are pretty long acting, a vet told me they are out the system in 4 days but with one of mine in particular I found thats when the side effects started and lasted a few days.

Everything Ive checked including Noah compendium does say prenidale should be used in the morning. Given at 0.1 to 2.0mg per Kg body weight per day. It also says 1/3 weeks on the above dose may be required but dosage should be monitored carefully and the lowest effective dose used, it also mentions alternate day use as well.

You may find that as well as increasing appetite it will also increase drinking and urination, panting can also be another sign.

Even on the leaflet it says withdrawal shouldnt be done suddenly and should be a gradual reduction but nowhere seems to confirm what. You will need to check with the vet.

http://www.dechra.co.uk/files/dechr...rednidale_25_mg_Tablets_for_Dogs_16-09-09.pdf

 

I phoned the vet about her panting and breathing rate so asked about stopping the steriods and she told me to give her one tab every other day.

Thank you for your advice.

 

Hope that solves the problem might just have been too high a dose, it does say use the least dose possible that still gives results.

 

Bit of an update with Sadie. She saw the specialist today for a CT scan and he can clearly see the mass and said it looks likely to be cancer

He mentioned lymphoma or thymoma and tomorrow she is having a full biopsy to get a confirmed diagnosis. We have to wait another 5-7 days for these results.

 

So sorry that they think it could be cancer and that you now have to wait another 5/7 days must be terrible for you, in fact I know it is Ive been in the same situation, hope once they know more there is something they may be able to do or they are wrong.

 

HUGE hugs! xx

 

Huge hugs from us to xxx

 

Sadie's results are back and she has thymoma.

We've been given the option of surgery but its a very risky surgery as she will have to have her breast bone opened to gain access to the mass and put on a ventilator during the op.

After spending about 8 hours umming and arrring she's booked in for in 2 weeks time :001_unsure:

If we do nothing and let her live out her life we are told she would have approximately 8 months with the risk of her chest filling with fluid. She's already had this as it was the reason she stopped eating and was lethargic 3 weeks ago. This is why we took her to our vet in the first place.

I'm still not sure if we're doing the right thing and I'm really worried about post-op and if she can cope with such an invasive surgery. I don't want to put her through this but I'm being told this is the treatment for thymoma.

 

I'm so sorry to hear this

I don't have any advice but really hope everything goes well x

 

So sorry to hear this, wishing her a succesful op and hope all goes well.
You are giving her every chance although must have been a hard decision.
Please keep us updated how she is. Thinking of you all xx

 

The nearer the operation date the more nervous I am. Does anyone know of any dogs that have had a median sternotomy?

I'm reading online but only making myself more worried.

 

Sorry something that I have no experience of, but just wanted to say thinking of you and I know how difficult it is, and I hope everything goes OK.

 

Sadie is 6 days post op and she is home The thymoma has been successfully removed but the vet sent the mass off for tests to see if its likely to return.

She has about 16 staples in her chest and is on metacam and antibiotics for pain and infection.

She is very itchy though and trying to scratch at the wound so I ordered her a t-shirt for dogs otherwise I will be up all night preventing her from scratching.

 

Glad the operation was a success and she is now home. Hope the Biopsy reports are postive for you, they always do usually send them off aswell though as routine.

 

Am so glad it went well. Hope she is now on the road to recovery