The Dustman has a Lump - ZGT... RIP

[Rachael]

Kept missing this thread - it looks really bad At the same time though he does still look really bright. Sometimes these things definitely look worse to us than they seem to make the ratties themselves feel.

It's so hard to know when it's the right time.

 

[Joanne]

I wonder how much of the tumor is internal. It seems like it must be mainly external. Is there any way to reduce the size of the tumor with electrocautery or something like that? Or is it growing fast now?
I think that as long as you feel he is happy and not in pain, why not let him keep enjoying life?

 

[lilspaz68]

I wonder how much of the tumor is internal. It seems like it must be mainly external. Is there any way to reduce the size of the tumor with electrocautery or something like that? Or is it growing fast now?
I think that as long as you feel he is happy and not in pain, why not let him keep enjoying life?

it would be interesting to find out, but he's almost 28 months old, and I won't have any money for procedures for 2 more weeks.

I think Dr. Munn would take one look at him and say PTS! But maybe I could ask? if not I shall have to take him in soon, as they will think I am abusing him

 

[ratmando]

It looks bad, but Dusty himself looks ok! I wonder if he feels much of it at all, as he's eating and bruxing, etc.
It could be that it's mostly external, like Joanne said. I guess you could see what Dr. Munn says?
I'm surprised it hasn't burst or done anything, and that you can't see it coming up from inside his ear, like my Sparkles had.
Is Dusty's jaw misaligned from it? It doesn't look like it. Awwww, sweet sweet boy. Good luck! :hugs: :sad3:

 

[lilspaz68]

No issues with his mouth or jaw, I don't think his ear is involved except dried blood gets in it and makes it itchy...I can gently rub that ear, he stays very still for me while his little tongue flicks in and out.

I sent the email, if its a No, I will have no choice but to bring him in

 

[SarahA]

Poor Dustman that tumor looks horrible.
I hope you can keep him comfortable for as all as possible. :hugs:

 

[Joanne]

No issues with his mouth or jaw, I don't think his ear is involved except dried blood gets in it and makes it itchy...I can gently rub that ear, he stays very still for me while his little tongue flicks in and out.

I sent the email, if its a No, I will have no choice but to bring him in

Fingers crossed that he can have a reduction and enjoy life for a while longer. I am still amazed at how long he has been living with it!
I would be happy to donate some $ towards it.

 

[lilspaz68]

No issues with his mouth or jaw, I don't think his ear is involved except dried blood gets in it and makes it itchy...I can gently rub that ear, he stays very still for me while his little tongue flicks in and out.

I sent the email, if its a No, I will have no choice but to bring him in

Fingers crossed that he can have a reduction and enjoy life for a while longer. I am still amazed at how long he has been living with it!
I would be happy to donate some $ towards it.

Thank you Joanne!!!

I got an email back this morning from the vet tech, Dr Munn is out of the office until MOnday so he'll see my email/request then. A little longer to spoil Dusty :heart:

 

[mamarat]

Vet had told me those were inoperable. On Hawkeye the tumor was pushing on his jaw and filled up his ear. Gentle cuddles to your little man.

 

[lilspaz68]

Vet had told me those were inoperable. On Hawkeye the tumor was pushing on his jaw and filled up his ear. Gentle cuddles to your little man.

they really are inoperable, which is why I never went to Dr. Munn, because what vet doesn't want to poke or cut something? LOL I wanted it to be untouched as much as possible to see how it would do. I just wonder if its possible Dusty's tumour is not a squamous cell tumour but something different?

 

[Joanne]

I was thinking not removal, but reduction...

 

[lilspaz68]

I was thinking not removal, but reduction...

That is also what I am thinking. Now we have to wait til at least Monday

 

[Joanne]

I was thinking not removal, but reduction...

That is also what I am thinking. Now we have to wait til at least Monday

Ug, that's a long wait....

 

[lilspaz68]

Well, its Monday but I think it might be too late for anything. Its grown a lot since I sent the email I am giving him metacam and he's doing well, but he scratches around it sometimes (all that dried blood) which makes it bleed again...

But he's very cuddly and loooves his Out time on the bed with me, and under the covers. My fearful boy is finally relaxing and enjoying Me in his life. :heart:

 

[RattusNorvegicus]

I sure hope Dr. Munn gives it a try. What can be lost in an attempt to reduce the mass? Such a strong boy.

 

[Rachael]

He is a gorgeous boy.

 

[clmntine]

That looks so unpleasant for him! But he seems pretty unaffected. Go with your gut with making the decision for him. You will do what's best.

 

[temblabamomo]

Sweet boy. He has had so much lovely extra time with you. I wonder if your vet will give it a go.

Sent from my SCH-I415 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Joanne]

Waiting with bated breath for the decision....

 

[lilspaz68]

Waiting with bated breath for the decision....

I drop him off for an exam tomorrow to see if its even possible. I don't think it will be, but we'll find out tomorrow