Comments on: Why use stomach medication for mast cell tumors?

By: Carla Benoist

Carla Benoist — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 03:25:26 +0000

I was beyond ecstatic to see you reference Slippery Elm Bark powder which I’ve been using not only for diarrhea but for irritable bowel, colitis and just stomach issues for years. It used to be use as a milk substitute for human infants who were allergic to even goat’s milk and is very nutritious — so I’ve used it for extra nutrition as well. I’m so glad I found this site!

By: Moby

Moby — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:39:50 +0000

Thanks Dr Dressler. I have one last question, I visited today an oncologist at a pretty well know animal center in NYC. I wanted to gather info before the surgery. This doctor mentioned that she only treats dogs with mass cell tumors with chemo or RT. She told me that Palladia was not a good drug for mass cell tumors and she was not trained to use other medications .i.e Neoplasene, Kinavet, Mitotic, et,etc. I walked out feeling like I wasn’t given options? I’m now searching for 2nd and 3rd oncologist to consult with after the surgery/biopsy is completed. Is this type of experience normal? Am I fooling myself by searching for other options?

By: Dr. Dressler

Dr. Dressler — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:54:22 +0000

Dear Moby,
I think you really need to get information to help you make your own personal decisions. There is no right or wrong way to deal with severe malignancies. Having said that, your vet is on the right track. Surgical removal of tumors is the first way and the central way to get them out in most cases of localized cancer. You would be well advised to spend some time reading the Dog Cancer Survival Guide to help you with questions such as dog cancer treatment plan analysis, which includes life quality assessment and your own personal ethics. The time spend integrating the information is well worth it.
Best,
Dr D

By: Moby

Moby — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 01:30:51 +0000

I just took my 9 yr old 90 pound dog to the vet to have a bump checked out. After doing an aspiration, the vet suspects he has a mass cell tumor.

The tumor is pretty large, over 3 inches for sure, sonogram x-rays showed no evidence of tumors anywhere else in his body. The vet also did blood work – results pending. We may also do one more cell aspiration to check his spleen and liver – I think?

We are planning to surgically remove his tumor next week; I suspect the surgery will be a bit complicated given the position of the mass. The vet also mentioned the possibility of needing chemo.

In reading several sources of info, it seems like chemo can be debilitating and expensive depending on treatment type. So as a pet owner I’m now worried about making the right decisions. I don’t want my dog to spend his last year suffering, I also don’t want to spend thousand of dollars and then see my dog die in a couple of months.

Should I proceed with the surgery and evaluate chemo options once biopsy results return? Or is there something else we should check before moving forward with the surgery to make sure is worth proceeding with it? Is chemo a good option for dogs? Is it successful? Right now, I want to make sure I’m objective and make the best decision for my dog; I just don’t know what that is?

By: Penni

Penni — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 03:30:09 +0000

I have a precious 10 year black cocker spaniel who was diagnosed w/ Melanoma in January. After complete amputation of her toe, she was put on the Melanoma vaccine. In August, Dollface developed a lump on her lymph glan & I took her to Texas A&M Vet School. They gave her 1-2 months to live & suggested I take her home & make her comfortable. I did put her on several homeopathic meds, she seems very happy, eats great but the tumor is HUGE. Any thoughts?

By: Anne

Anne — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:39:52 +0000

Thanks again Dr. D,
We are seeing the vet tomorrow, and I will ask. She crashed again last night, exactly a week after her last crash, so your cyclic histamine theory must be right on the mark. I appreciate your input. Even with two excellent vets in the mix, you’re still offering new ideas when they seem to be running out of them.

By: Dr. Dressler

Dr. Dressler — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:14:58 +0000

Anne, I would discuss doxepin with your oncologist. This is the real deal for histamine receptor (very potent H1 and H2) blockade. If they don’t know about it have them research it. Known a little in behavioral circles as an “anti-depressant” but there is way more to it..
D

By: Anne

Anne — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:33:54 +0000

Thanks Dr. D,
I appreciate your reply, and hope you can clarify about the antacid component. She was on Pepcid, but was switched to Prilosec by the oncologist. How does that fit with the Tagamet? Does it act with Benadryl? Does it make sense to mix and match antacids, or should we pick one? She also has Ondansetron for nausea, a drug (Sulfa-something)for ulcers, a small dose of Prednisone and Cipro. She is on Hesperiden, which I think gives her the luteolin you recommend, Milk Thistle for her liver, and now Benadryl. Tramadol and Gas-X as needed.

By: Dr. Dressler

Dr. Dressler — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 07:58:14 +0000

Anne, I would bet the cycles are related to cyclic histamine secretion and gastric (stomach acid) secretion. Definitely talk to your vet folks about increasing the antihistamines and cimetidine/famotidine, and possibly some pain medication for those episodes. Consider luteolin too, which in humans has been shown to stabilize mast cells and inhibit histamine secretion.
d

By: Dr. Dressler

Dr. Dressler — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 07:54:33 +0000

Lu Ann, the treatment for mast cell tumors involves a lot more than this single post about digestive upset and mast cell tumors. Yes, benadryl is commonly used to deal with histamine secreted by mast cell tumors. Interestingly,the cimetidine in this post is a specific type of antihistamine, but works on a different receptor type than does benadryl..and deals with stomach acid, unlike benadryl.
Best, D