She looks like she's going to be just fine! I hope you get nothing but good news from here on out! Thank you for keeping us posted on her progress, I've been keeping you in my thoughts since you first posted about her. xoxo
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She looks like she's going to be just fine! I hope you get nothing but good news from here on out! Thank you for keeping us posted on her progress, I've been keeping you in my thoughts since you first posted about her. xoxo
Any more news, Jess? I'm so worried about you and Raven. Looking forward to a good update. :)
I am so glad that Raven is home and doing well. She is so beautiful and she deserves the very best!
How is miss Raven today?
I hope all is still well. Hugs to you both and the T's.
Oh Tommy, you're such a good big brother!
{{Hugs}} to you Jess!
Paws crossed for good results from the test!
Thanks for asking about my girl :). She went for her recheck on Wednesday and the vet says it is healing very nicely. Still have not heard back from pathology yet on the biopsy results, hopefully soon.
Meanwhile, Raven says..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...shandraven.jpg
"I'm getting taller than sis!"
I'm glad you're healing nicely Raven, still praying for good results back.You sure are getting bigger than Tasha! :)
Oh my goodness! She is getting TALL. So curious as to how big she's going to max out at. Hi Tasha, kisses to you sweet girl (shhh... you're still my favorite.)
Anxiously awaiting the results..... {HUGS}
Raven is just so stunning! She sure is growing fast! I am glad she is healing well, and I am sure her tests will come back just fine! Please give Raven a big doggy hug for me and (((HUGS))) for you too!
Such a beautiful girl you are Raven. You look adorable standing with your gorgeous sister, Tasha. We're glad you're doing well and we think no news is good news. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers :)
Glad to hear it's healing! :D
Any word from the pathologist yet?
Hopefully no news is good news! :D
Just checking in for the latest update on our pretty little girl. You sure are growing big and tall Ms. Raven, but that pretty Tasha girl will always be your "big" sister. ;)
It is a squamous cell carcinoma and cancerous.
Will post more when I can.
There is a prayer thread posted in Dog General. Sorry rather upset and I forgot to mention it earlier.
*HUGS* She's a fighter Jess and can beat this.
OH! :( Oh no! Poor Raven. I am sure she can fight it! What happens now?
*Hugs*
Many hugs and prayers for you and Raven!!
I agree - she came to you for a reason Jess. She is so young and such a fighter.
Will continue to pray for you both..
In general a young dog has a better prognosis with cancer than an older dog. Also some suggestions females have a better survival rate over males in the literature. At least you have those two positives going for you.Quote:
Originally Posted by K9soul
SCC tends to be invasive locally. You'll probably want to discuss with the Vet about getting an ultrasound of the body cavity just to make sure metastasis hasn't occurred.
Most likely the Vet or a referral to an oncologist will end with the recommendation of local radiation treatments in an attempt to clean up the margins from the surgery. Follow up radiation after surgery seems to be the standard treatment. Although Photodynamic Therapy involving lasers and a photosensitizing agent is also starting to be used. With the site being away from the eyes and nose, that may make it easier on puppy.
Discuss with your Vet whether or not Piroxicam should be given in addition to the radiation. Piroxicam is a Cox-2 drug where in addition to its anti-inflamatory and pain relief properties has been shown to be effective against SCC. Downside of the drug is its ability to cause ulcers. Also quiz your Vet about the use of sucralfate during radiation treatments. It tends to help the tissues in recovering from radiation burns, and decreases gum infections. Not only that but it would protect the stomach if Piroxicam is prescribed.
Diet wise cancer cells crave carbohydrates. Likewise most are unable to metabolize fat with any degree of effeciency. Thus diets low in carbohydrates (sugar worst case), and high in fat plus protein are best. But don't get carried away with too much rich food, else you'll end up with fat puppy. Assuming the dog is not losing weight, probably keeping it on the current dog food is best.
There is quite a bit of data out indicating the Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil help to slow down the growth of cancers through their anti-angiogenesis (i.e. inhibition of blood vessel growth) properties. Do a search against Ogilvie GK, who has conducted quite a few Veterinary studies in dogs comparing the effects of fish oil on survival rates. He also discusses the use of amino acid supplements such as Arginine. Even after cleaning up the cancer with radiation you may wish to keep the dog on fish oil the rest of its life. I fed my Lymphoma puppy 6000-8000 mg a day during her illness. Worst case if the amount given is too high would be soft stools.
Hopefully follow up radiation will take out the cancer cells left behind from the surgery.
Thank you everyone for your posts, support and thoughts.
Dragondawg - She is on Innova EVO RM formula supplemented by raw (no grains in her diet), so hopefully I am on the right track on diet though I will ask my vet more about that too. I will also write down the things you mentioned to ask him about.
I tried to do some research but can't handle it as there is a lot of grim articles about oral cancers out there and the prognosis.
The conversation is a bit hazy in my mind because I was in a state of shock, but I do remember him saying it was well differentiated and that is another plus. I understand some of what that means due to being a medical transcriptionist.
Mmmmm, I offer you my prayers for Raven. I am so glad that you have Pet Talk to come and talk about this. You are getting such good advice.
I tried to pm you but your box is full. Please contact me if you need to talk. I've started a prayer thread in the general section. I hope you don't mind. I'm so upset right now, for you and Raven. Hugs to both of you. Don't give up, ok?
I am only now seeing this, Jess. My prayers will be with you and with Raven.
Logan
:( You & Raven will be in my thoughts & prayers.
I am very sorry, Jess. I will continue to keep you and Raven in my thoughts.
I kept checking this thread for good news. I'm sorry to hear this latest update. :( I'm sure she will beat this though, she's a strong little girl and she has you to take care of her. She's lucky you adopted her that day, she could not have ended up in better hands. Many prayers for sweet Raven and {{hugs}} to you Jess.
Jess, You and Raven are both such strong beings, I know you two can fight this together. There IS a reason Raven is with you - you are here to help her as she was there to help you. I know she is in the best hands she could possibly be in.
My thoughts are with you, as they have been through this whole journey. I KNOW Raven will be just fine. She is such a young, strong little girl.
I can't help but to shed a few tears as I've already grown to love your little girl and I cherish you as a friend.
I will be here for you whenever you need me. :) Please keep us updated when you can. Pet Talk is a powerful place for support.
Jess, I was so shocked and saddened to hesr this news. I pray the doctor's were able to remove the entire tumor, and that Raven's prognosis will be good. Lots of thoughts and prayers coming your way.
OMG Jess. I'm so sorry. I just can't believe this is happening. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Please get well Raven :(
:( My stomach flip flopped before I opened this thread. I was hoping so badly for good news, and while I'm saddened to hear that the tumor was cancerous, I'm hopeful for the both of you. I know you two will make it through stronger and more full of life than ever before.
Also, I really don't want to diverge from the topic, but I hope you don't mind if I ask a little question, Jess :) I know squamous cell carcinoma is prevalent in humans with sun-damaged skin. What doesn't click is how puppies can get such a cancer in their mouths. Did your vet have any idea on how that happened?
I don't know exact answers to your question although SCC's in people are often related to sun damage, they can also occur unrelated to sun damage as well. However this article might explain it better.Quote:
Originally Posted by Giselle
http://www.petcancer.co.uk/cgi-bin/articles/032.htm
It also unfortunately emphasizes the potential severity of this problem, oral cancers are often some of the most aggressive. Otherwise you can google too for more information. I read a bit earlier and could not read anymore as it is too traumatizing for me at this time.
--
To all, thank you again for your thoughts and posts. They are helping to give me strength.
Thanks for the link. It seems like human skin cancers are common as oral cancers in dogs/cats, I suppose. Not very positive news, but, God, I just know Raven will make it through. I hope you two will keep spending happy and loving moments together because you'll have a lot more of them in the future! Keep strong.
Oh my. I am so very sorry. Please try to stay positive. Raven is a fighter and a very brave, strong girl. I will be thinking of her, you, and your family. You both will be in our prayers. Stay strong, even though I know it is heard. We at PT are hear for you. Please give Rave a big hug and scratch on the head form me.
This is not the kind of news I was hoping to hear. Not at all.
Jess, I am so sorry. You must be devastated. Hold on tight, the M&M's and I are sending some strong, faithful prayers and good vibes to you and little miss Raven!
Many, many pawsitive thoughts and prayers are on the way for you and you're little girl. You will get through this ((((hugs)))))
I feel so sick. I was praying for a different diagnosis. I'm so so sorry. But I'm a firm believer in miracles and pray that beautiful Raven will overcome this. {Hugs} to all of you.
Jess,
I am sorry I have not managed to respond until now, but please know that my prayers and positive thoughts are with you both.
Jessica, I too am a firm believer in miracles. My Mandy was one. I will pray to God and St.Francis that Raven will win this battle. I will keep you in my prayers also. {{{hugs}}}
I am so very sorry to hear this news. You both are in my prayers and I will continue to send postive thoughts your way, I dont know either of you very well, but you both from what i have gotten in your post seem to be very special, God brought you both together for a reason, just trust in Him and He will get you through this along with everyone here.