Spindle Cell Tumor and Lar Par

[Capri]

My only advice is that if you do go for LP surgery, remove the tumour also. But DO NOT go for the tumour removal surgery only (unless you can do it under local only). Most likely if you put him under for the tumour removal surgery, his LP will dramatically worsen and you'd need to get it sorted separately fairly rapidly.

If he is in a good shape, I would consider LP surgery, but if he's got other issues and old age is starting to show, I would not. The only concern is that as soon as LP starts to bother him, it'll only get worse and usually tends to get worse fairly rapidly (larynx is not opening properly, causes vibrations and inflammation of the larynx -> swelling and blockage of airway -> more effort in breathing -> more vibrations -> more swelling etc.) . And when it gets worse, you should proactively start to consider elective euthanasia BEFORE he would pass away of a hypoxic crisis (can be caused by e.g. excitement, stress, exercise, warm weather etc. ) (ie. lack of oxygen -> suffocation). If you do want to go for LP surgery, do it now rather than waiting for later.


We opted for LP surgery on our 11yr girl, unfortunately she passed away a week post surgery due to complications. I am still not regretting the decision though, as it would have given her years (not just days or months) and she was in a good shape otherwise. Had she had trouble with mobility, cardiac issues etc. the surgery wouldn't have been worth it. BUT she DID get visibly worse with her LP as we were considering surgery in a matter of weeks -> I can only imagine what would have happened if we had waited any longer..!

 

[R Taft]

I too would be more concerned with the LP thatn the cancer. Would I have to pcik one cancer it would be preferred to me...LP however i find scary, one of my biggest fears.

Just take care my friends and lots of prayers and :hugs: :hugs: for Elwood from us

 

[dreamchaser456]

I an fully understand you panic and what you are going through! When my girl Ursa turned 10 we also discovered a tumor (spindle cell), at her right elbow. She also has LP that was dx when she was about 4. I also don't know how we missed that growth as I have hands on her all the time!
After the consult with the surgeon, blood and urine tests, chest x rays etc., we ultimately decided against surgery since to get clean margins there it was likely he would need to amputate. I wasn't about to do that to a 10 year old and was already concerned about anesthesia and LP.
When we made the decision to just love her until, I didn't expect that it would be very long. I did a lot of research that led me to add turmeric and ginger to her diet, eliminate as many carbs as possible and love her more.
I'm happy to report that 20 months later, Ursa is still doing very well. The tumor has grown some but still doesn't cause any mobility issues or pain. She still initiates play with the younger two at times, patrols the yard, is sassy, does steps once a day and is generally like an almost 12 year old newf!
The biggest problems we deal with are lp related, more problems with the up and down temps here in Virginia right now, loss of muscle in the rear and some coughing when she over does things.
She has surprised us all but as long as she continues to enjoy life we are happy! I didn't want to hope for her making it to 11 when I heard the C word, now we are hopefully planning what to do for her 12th birthday! In the last 20 months the tumor has about doubled but it doesn't bother her yet and she loves life.
Breathe deeply, love strong and know that what ever you and the specialist decide is the right choice. You are in our prayers as you get through this time.

 

[skoorka]

Thanks everyone and thanks for giving me more hope, Paula! I'm so glad Ursa is thriving! His Lar Par is more of a hacking/rasping/throat clearing right now, but having helped a woman with a Lab in a full on Lar Par attack, I need to give my boy his best shot. Understanding they haven't seen him yet, I am waiting on a call back from the surgeon asking if they would do both surgeries at once. If they are flat out not willing to, it's off to Boston...But if they will consider it and wait to decide until they see him, I'll stay there. Fingers and paws crossed!!!!

 

[Puppypeoplenj]

I'm so glad you've got a plan you feel comfortable with and are moving forward with it. Your boy is lucky to have you looking out for his best interests! Please keep us updated.