Hi Pepper. I'm so sorry to hear about Bourbon None of us here (that I know of!!) is a vet, and we would all most strongly advise you to follow your vet's advice. Like Jackie mentioned, second opinions are always an option, though you seem to feel quite comfortable with and confident of your vet. Just remember, ASK QUESTIONS!!! Before your visits, write down anything and everything that comes to your mind that you need answers to.

I am a surgical nurse and have to agree with your vet that after having exhausted most of the less invasive diagnostic tools, e.g. blood work, attempts at aspiration, x-rays, etc., that "exploratory" surgery is probably the best (I know, very scary) route to pursue in order to definitively diagnose the problem. I know how frightening the thought is for you. But if Bourbon is in otherwise good general health, he should be just fine as far as the "exploratory" part, anesthesia goes. I would however, ask your vet what/how much experience she or he has had doing this type of surgery. And do discuss with your vet just what she or he intends to do DURING the surgery, i.e. if he/she does find a tumor, does he or she intend to excise the growth at that time??? Will a biopsy be performed first, and further surgery scheduled pending biopsy results? etc.

The worst thing for you, and for Bourbon, is NOT KNOWING what is wrong. I would advise you to do whatever is necessary to get a diagnosis. Then at least you will know what you are dealing with and can immediately start Bourbon on the road to recovery. I know, I know, I know how scary the surgery part is for you to handle. I have spent years in OR's and recovery rooms, dealing with hundreds of cases, patients and their families, comforting and reassuring them. But when it comes to my own family, human or furry, Ahhhhhhhhhh! I'm a wreck! You just have to believe in and have confidence in your Dr.!!! But again, if you have any hesitations at all, do get a second opinion, and don't be concerned about offending anyone. Sometimes two heads are better than one! And about the date for the tentative surgery...And chance of doing it earlier??

Bourbon is obvioiusly having an infectious/inflammatory response to something!! It is perplexing, however, that the intensive course of antibiotics and Pred. have not yet significantly affected the now hard swelling. And your mention of "holes in bone???" Did he ever mention anything about his sinuses? Is he having any drainage from his nose? Was a second testing for CBC/Cytology/C&S done after the first?

I am including an excerpt from a Vet. Info. site regarding a response posted by a Vet. regarding treatment of mast cell tumors. I most certainly am NOT saying that is the cause of Bourbon's problems. But, in the event that it might be a growth, I thought it might help allay some of your fears as surgical treatment along with a course of Pred. and or radiation is often a very successful course of treatment.

Bourbon sounds so special. And, being a friend of our wonderful friends "Phred," Cinder and Smokey, I know you too are very special as well. It's so scary when are furkids are not feeling well! And worst of all, they can't "tell us" "what's wrong or how they feel!" They rely on us to make those decisions, and do our best for them. You certainly are doing that, and more.

I know everyone here will be keeping you and Bourbon in our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers. Please keep us informed as to his progress, OK? And give him the biggest hug you can manage!! I hope you "stay with" us and let us help you deal with this; the people here are so special, and understand everything you are going through!

Love to you and your precious Bourbon. Sandra

Here's an excerpt from the Vet. Info. Board:

A: I found the information on mast cell tumors from the seminar I attended recently. The speaker was Dr. Rodney Page from the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

According to the statistics provided by Dr. Page, approximately 50% of mast cell tumors are curable with aggressive surgical removal. Mast cell tumors spread easier in the superficial skin so it is most important to get a wide surgical margin around the edges of the tumor but it is still important to get as deep as possible, as well. It is probably a good idea in any dog affected by mast cell tumors to use prednisone at chemotherapeutic doses for about 6 months post surgery. If there is no evidence of further tumor growth at that time, gradual discontinuation of prednisone is OK. If the tumor appears to be very aggressive based on the pathologist's evaluation (moderately to poorly differentiated), then it may be a good idea to consider radiation therapy, too, if that is an option in your area. The combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy seems to give the best chance of long term control according to Dr. Page

[ July 17, 2001: Message edited by: tatsxxx11 ]

[ July 17, 2001: Message edited by: tatsxxx11 ]