At first the vet thought that it was just a lipoma- or fatty mass of cells, which is typically benign. But, to double-check, she took an aspirate sample of the mass and another one that was down in the groin area. The groin lump was definitely just a lipoma- no worries. But, the one from his chest was surrounded by “different” cells. The vet was surprised, but said that we would have to send a sample to pathology in order to know what the other cells were- they were just definitely not just fat cells.
I asked if it could be cancer and she said “possibly”. She took a picture of the slide from the microscope to post online to other vets to see if they would know what the other cells are, but I won’t hear from her until sometime later this week. *sigh*
Shep is our first baby. We got him two weeks before we got married, so he is almost 11. We know that he is getting old- especially for his breed (Chow Chow/German Shepherd), but we are just not prepared to have cancer in our family again.
We pray that the cells from the mass are not cancer cells and that it is nothing but a benign mass.
our poor maddie died of a mass in her chest. but hers was benign...we didnt even know she had it until it was too late. praying for shep. he his a beautiful part of your family.
ReplyDeleteSo sad when I pet is sick or close to "that" time. My dogs always seem to have the fatty tissue tumors. I have had to put 2 of my dogs to sleep though b/c of cancer. It is never easy!! My last one was at Christmas. He was 15 1/2 years old, and I had him since (his) birth.
ReplyDeleteHope it's nothing for Shep though.
:( Praying it is not cancer. Call me when you find out more!
ReplyDeletePraying it's nothing.
ReplyDeleteGramma's beautiful Sheppers! Charlie gets this stuff all the time. I'm sending all good thoughts and memories for you, Shep-shep. Miss you!
ReplyDelete