Labrador with fibrosarcoma and other symptoms (From The Northern Echo)

Labrador with fibrosarcoma and other symptoms

3:17pm Tuesday 20th February 2007 in Leisure

QUESTION

My 9 year old black Lab, Jamooki was diagnosed with fibrosarcoma last December, 2002. She had surgery to remove the growth tumor in between her 3rd and 4th digits on her right front paw. A dirty margin remained and she subsequently had 15 radiation treatments Mar - Apr 2003 to remove all traces of cancer. She had the first of four follow up chest xrays in June 2003 and was given a clean bill of health. Then on June 27, 2003, she vomited and lost her balance. The emergency room vet diagnosed her with a mild case of vestibular disease. On June 28th, her regular vet said given her history of tumors (Jamooki also had a benign tumor removed underneath her left ear in May 2003), it could be a brain tumor. A neurologist was called and he examined Jamooki and said it was definitely a brain tumor. An MRI would be needed to see if the brain tumor was treatable. The MRI found NO brain tumor. Two attempts were made at a spinal tap to remove fluid and were unsuccessful. In the meantime, Jamooki's condition worsened...partial paralysis occurred on the right side of her face, she has drool from time to time, and there is no blink response although her oncologist believes she can still see out of her right eye. Blood work was done to test for toxoplasmosis which was negative. Test results for neospora and lymphoma cancer are inconclusive. I have been given options of chemo for 6-8 weeks, or a chemo pill twice a month, or prednisone. I have been advised if Jamooki goes on prednisone, it will mask the disease and detection may not be found until an autopsy. Jamooki still has energy (though not as much as usual), an appetite, and is fully aware of her surroundings. Have you seen or heard of any conditions such as these? Any advice? Thank You.

Debra L. Coleman, USA

ANSWER

Dear Debra,
By the sounds of it you have been through a very thorough workup and had several specialist treatment done. The current problems with partial facial nerve paralysis can be caused by a large number of things including as a side effect with some hormonal diseases mainly including cushings disease or Hyperadeneocorticism.

There are also several infectious agents that can cause this, including listeria, as well as being caused through physical trauma to the facial nerve anywhere on its route out of the brain.

A bleed over a pressure point can also cause the same problems. I would not be treating with chemotherapy without a definitive diagnosis as I feel that this is potentially leading to side effects and increased costs without any realistic hope of cure.

Prednisolone will help with swelling particularly if caused by a bleed or physical trauma but chances are slight. You could also look at some of the neutroceuticals that can help to improve tissue repair and overall function and healing such as Stimulin or Co Q10 may help.

The other option is applying hypromellose or some other artificial tears into the eye to reduce chances of drying out or ulceration and then leaving the dog to enjoy the remainder of the time until a positive diagnosis can be made by progression of signs. This would be my suggested option as sometimes these dogs can go on for years with no further deterioration in signs.

Paul Wilson