Willow/Tumor - UPDATE (not a good one) :( :(

[jenniferkelley]

Last night my boyfriend found a lump on little Willow.

(Bad photo, but it's right under her left arm)

I'm probably over reacting, and people have told me that I am - but I'd still like any advice on these types of things if you have any. Willow is only 17 months old, she's still active as ever, eating, drinking, she's normal. Another fear I have is that what happens if she's not a good candidate for surgery? She just got over a really bad URI a month ago.

I made an appointment for Tuesday at 10:20 am with Dr. Munn to find out what it is. I've been getting mixed feedback, some people say it looks like a tumor, some people say it could be an abccess but I really don't know as i've never had to deal with any of this, so I guess we will find out.

I'm also at a really tough spot because Dr. Munn does not accept payment plans, but I've had all my rats with him since the beginning, so I know that I can trust him BUT It would be a lot easier to pay half and half since I wouldn't have all of the money upfront to get a tumor removed, especially since they are so expensive. I found the Clarington Animal Hospital, which I remember someone mentioning on here was good, and they are remarkably cheaper for exams, and they accept payment plans. If anyone has any feedback on this animal hospital or any advice on what I should do, please feel free to respond, since I would love to hear what other people have to say about this!

Thanks in advance!

 

[hopefloats]

That spot is a typical spot for a mammary tumor. There only two choices.

1. have it removed and hope for the best.
2. Leave it and it will end up being the cause to have her pts.

We have had those removed some came back others stayed gone. it is really hit or miss. If they are healthy enough for the surgery, I do it. If not I hold on as long as i can till I have to let them go.

 

[Sharlees rattakisses]

Willow's Momma Leila has mammary tumours and it looks like your sweetie has one too.
Both are way to young to have this occur but when genetics are involved anything can happen.
Remember to mention that my Leila is Willows Mom and see what he thinks.
Sending you and Willow hugs and kisses. :cuddle:
Try not to worry but if your anything like me you will anyway. :roll:
:bow: Dr. Munn rocks!! :bow:
Ask Dr Munn about a payment plan.
He takes into consideration that everyone has different circumstances.
Everything will work out sweetheart. :heart:

 

[jenniferkelley]

That spot is a typical spot for a mammary tumor. There only two choices.

1. have it removed and hope for the best.
2. Leave it and it will end up being the cause to have her pts.

We have had those removed some came back others stayed gone. it is really hit or miss. If they are healthy enough for the surgery, I do it. If not I hold on as long as i can till I have to let them go.

Were going to do the best we can to remove it.
But sadly, if it comes back again down the road, we will just have to keep her comfortable.

Also for the ones who have had their tumors come back, how long was it after surgery? 6 months? less?

 

[jenniferkelley]

Willow's Momma Leila has mammary tumours and it looks like your sweetie has one too.
Both are way to young to have this occur but when genetics are involved anything can happen.
Remember to mention that my Leila is Willows Mom and see what he thinks.
Sending you and Willow hugs and kisses. :cuddle:
Try not to worry but if your anything like me you will anyway. :roll:
:bow: Dr. Munn rocks!! :bow:
Ask Dr Munn about a payment plan.
He takes into consideration that everyone has different circumstances.
Everything will work out sweetheart. :heart:

We must be very similar. I haven't stopped crying. I can't even think of anything else.
I'm going to ask him about it (payment), even if we can pay half and half it would help ALOT and if he can't do it, then I'm going to have to go to another vet. Or i'll just have to find some awesome way to raise money, but knowing me, it will never happen.

 

[SQ]

I don't know if this is an option, but some people have found that getting girls spayed prevents more mammary tumors from appearing.

 

[jorats]

I would definitely get her spayed at the same time of removal.

 

[jenniferkelley]

I don't know if this is an option, but some people have found that getting girls spayed prevents more mammary tumors from appearing.

I would definitely get her spayed at the same time of removal.

It's not really an option - it's $304.95 for the spay alone, and the tumor removal is likely to already be $300. I can't afford that.

 

[Sharlees rattakisses]

Willow's Momma Leila has mammary tumours and it looks like your sweetie has one too.
Both are way to young to have this occur but when genetics are involved anything can happen.
Remember to mention that my Leila is Willows Mom and see what he thinks.
Sending you and Willow hugs and kisses. :cuddle:
Try not to worry but if your anything like me you will anyway. :roll:
:bow: Dr. Munn rocks!! :bow:
Ask Dr Munn about a payment plan.
He takes into consideration that everyone has different circumstances.
Everything will work out sweetheart. :heart:

We must be very similar. I haven't stopped crying. I can't even think of anything else.
I'm going to ask him about it (payment), even if we can pay half and half it would help ALOT and if he can't do it, then I'm going to have to go to another vet. Or i'll just have to find some awesome way to raise money, but knowing me, it will never happen.

:hugs: Don't give up.
Unfortunately I wish I could help money wise but I could give you food for the sweeties instead.
If Willow gets spayed be prepared for her to gain weight.
Leila is a mega pudge pie now. :lol:

 

[victoria]

I don't know if this is an option, but some people have found that getting girls spayed prevents more mammary tumors from appearing.

I would definitely get her spayed at the same time of removal.

It's not really an option - it's $304.95 for the spay alone, and the tumor removal is likely to already be $300. I can't afford that.

If you get her spayed and the tumour removed at the same time, it would be much, much cheaper than doing them separately. It likely is a mammary tumour but if you can't afford to remove it right away, you may be able to put it off for a bit, depending on how quickly it grows. It's something to discuss with Dr. Munn at least. Mammary tumours are often benign, so even if you can't afford to remove it at all, it can take months and months before the tumour starts to get in the way and affect quality of life - perhaps even longer.

:hugs: to you and Willow.

 

[jorats]

My vet won't even remove a tumour without a spay. She tells everyone it's not worth it. It will just come back. When the surgery is done at the same time, it's usually cost effective. Dr. Munn should be able to do both, it will be slightly higher but not the same as doing two separate surgeries, at least it's not with my vet.

 

[mamarat]

Sending good thoughts for your little Willow.

 

[jenniferkelley]

I don't know if this is an option, but some people have found that getting girls spayed prevents more mammary tumors from appearing.

I would definitely get her spayed at the same time of removal.

It's not really an option - it's $304.95 for the spay alone, and the tumor removal is likely to already be $300. I can't afford that.

If you get her spayed and the tumour removed at the same time, it would be much, much cheaper than doing them separately. It likely is a mammary tumour but if you can't afford to remove it right away, you may be able to put it off for a bit, depending on how quickly it grows. It's something to discuss with Dr. Munn at least. Mammary tumours are often benign, so even if you can't afford to remove it at all, it can take months and months before the tumour starts to get in the way and affect quality of life - perhaps even longer.

:hugs: to you and Willow.

Were thinking about it, but if it comes down to us not having the money for it then we can't do it unfortunately. If the spay and tumor removal come to $450 MAX then we could probably do it since I'm going to be selling a few pre made sets to try and raise some money. But what you said makes me feel a lot better. I guess I over react but my anxiety just takes over my body and I think the worst.

 

[jenniferkelley]

My vet won't even remove a tumour without a spay. She tells everyone it's not worth it. It will just come back. When the surgery is done at the same time, it's usually cost effective. Dr. Munn should be able to do both, it will be slightly higher but not the same as doing two separate surgeries, at least it's not with my vet.

I wish I had the money. I knew this was going to happen sooner or later, but I didn't think it would happen this early while I'm with no job. Unlucky timing! Hopefully we get a good price or he will allow us to do a payment plan like half the sum, then the other half the next week. Either way I'm trying my best to get the spay as well.

 

[jenniferkelley]

Sending good thoughts for your little Willow.

Thank you!

 

[jenniferkelley]

So Willows tumor removal is tomorrow. I'm like extremely nervous about it, but I know it will be just fine. We have to drop her off at Dr.Munns at 8:30 and then talk to him about another tumor, since we found another teeny tiny one down on one of her nipples. If he can remove it at the same time that will be done, and then I'm going to talk to him about putting her on bromocriptine for a little while.

I guess I'm just posting again to see if there's any advice anyone can give me on what to expect and aftercare? I haven't dealt with any of this so I'm not sure about it. Do I seperate her from the rest? What does infection look like? etc;

Thanks in advance!

 

[lilspaz68]

When you ger her home, she will be tired, may want to eat and drink a little...offer her yummies like baby cereal and Ensure. Dr Munn will send you home with metacam. She may be picking at fleece and fabric, just make sure she doesn't pick at her incisoin. She should not be feeling any pain from the linger effects of the anesthesia and the many pain meds that Dr Munn gives before, during and after surgery.

If she does really well and is bright and alert, put her back in with her friends and see how they/she do.

 

[Godmother]

Good luck, Willow!

Will be thinking of you both tomorrow

 

[hopefloats]

Well wishes for Willow! Hugs to you!

 

[ratmando]

Best wishes to Willow, I'm sure she'll be fine! :hugs: :heart: