Author Topic: Anal Cancer Specialist Needed  (Read 1330 times)

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Offline JohnMcL

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Anal Cancer Specialist Needed
« on: January 14, 2022, 10:04:03 AM »
Hi,

Our 11 year old Blue Roan had a malignant tumour removed on her anal glands in September 2020 and we were told it would come back. 15 months later, just before Xmas we felt another lump and the same vet removed another tumour in the same place. The vet has just told us that she didn’t get all of it out and that we can do nothing or go to a vet that specialises in Anal Cancer.
Just spoke to one in Birmingham who has looked at our file and he’s said he can do it in 20 mins and that our vet should not have attempted the surgery if they couldn’t remove all the tumour as the scan sufficiently shows what the task was. He said that we should’ve had a second opinion. We didn’t, Xmas was days away, we were told we’d spotted the lump early and were concerned we’d not get the op done before Xmas if we declined our vet’s offer to operate the next day.

So here I am feeling stupid and scared whilst wondering if I need to trust the specialist or get another opinion before committing to a big operation when the scar has only just healed.

Can anybody recommend anybody please or does anybody have any thoughts about this. We’re terrified of yet another op.

Thanks.

John.

Offline Jaysmumagain

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Re: Anal Cancer Specialist Needed
« Reply #1 on: January 14, 2022, 11:27:18 AM »
John I am so very sorry to read this, while I have no knowledge of who to suggest I can understand fully the upset as I face this with Ollie ( another story)

While you mention Birmingham I am not sure your location, but on the Wirral is the University of Liverpool it is called Leahurst and I know that there is a team in Veterinary Oncology based there.

Possibly 25 years back my Westie was referred and we went to see a Professor there.

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/sath/

I shall be thinking of you and your darling girl.

Julie
Cocker kisses and cuddles just make my day!


You are always with me darlings Jaypup and my precious Oliver you are so missed

Offline Robbie34

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Re: Anal Cancer Specialist Needed
« Reply #2 on: January 14, 2022, 12:05:22 PM »
Henry was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and I had him referred to the University of Liverpool at Leahurst.  Unfortunately, they could not effect a cure as it had spread and he only lived another two months.
I would recommend that you get your vet to refer you to there.

Offline JohnMcL

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Re: Anal Cancer Specialist Needed
« Reply #3 on: January 14, 2022, 01:14:11 PM »
Hi Jay’sMum & Robbie,

Thank you both for helping and so quickly. I’m sorry that you’ve had this experience too, it’s truly awful. I feel for you both.

We’re in Northamptonshire but will travel anywhere. Our vet referred us to Willows in Birmingham. The remaining cancer is in a lymph gland by the anal sac our vet didn’t remove it as she said it was too deep, the specialist does not agree and has said the surrounding lymph gland should have been removed back in Sept 2020 and Dec 2021 operations - my vet is being transparent about this but I don’t understand why a surgeon without the ability needed would take the op on twice.

She’s a fit and lively dog, I don’t think we can do nothing and am praying that the decision to operate is the right thing to do. The other option so far is to test blood every 3 months and hope it doesn’t spread quickly.

I’m looking into the Liverpool surgeon now, I can’t thank you both enough.

John.

Offline bizzylizzy

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Re: Anal Cancer Specialist Needed
« Reply #4 on: January 14, 2022, 01:19:45 PM »
Sorry John, can’t offer any advice I‘m afraid but do hope you can find help for Robbie.
Just one thing though, don‘t feel stupid!! How  were you to know the vet hadn’t completed the job? Its not practical  to get 2nd opinions on every diagnosis a vet makes, you take your pet there on the assumption they‘re going to do  their best for your dog and I think in 99.9% of the time that‘s what they do. To be honest, even if the vet in Birmingham is right, I don’t think his criticism is either ethical or particularly sympathetic so don’t let him succeed in making you feel guilty!!
  :bigarmhug: to you and Robbie, hope you can get him sorted out! Keep us posted!
 :luv: Jayne

Offline MIN

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Re: Anal Cancer Specialist Needed
« Reply #5 on: January 14, 2022, 02:28:25 PM »
Just wanted to send  love and hugs.
Run free and fly high my beautiful Gemma
2011 - 2023 

                            ----

Offline Jaysmumagain

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Re: Anal Cancer Specialist Needed
« Reply #6 on: January 14, 2022, 04:35:57 PM »
John just to say Ollie has a different problem and is in his throat, no surgery due to location but so far he is doing well - just attempted to dive bomb a couple of seagulls on the beach, at 14 he still is Mr Mischief.

I do hope you find the correct person to help and am crossing everything.

Sending all our support.

Julie and Ollie dog
Cocker kisses and cuddles just make my day!


You are always with me darlings Jaypup and my precious Oliver you are so missed

Offline Mudmagnets

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Re: Anal Cancer Specialist Needed
« Reply #7 on: January 15, 2022, 12:14:42 AM »
Sorry to read your news. I can't offer any useful advice, but send  :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: for you both at this worrying time and hope that you find the help you need for your lovely girl.  :luv:
Remembering Smudge 23/11/2006 - 3/8/2013, and Branston 30/8/14 - 28/10/22 both now at the Bridge.

Offline Joules

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Re: Anal Cancer Specialist Needed
« Reply #8 on: January 15, 2022, 08:59:19 AM »
Fitzpatricks have an excellent oncology department in Surrey.

A friend of mine has just taken her elderly boxer there for treatment and she had a massive op to remove tumours on her lungs. so far so good. If you want, I can ask her for the name of the surgeon who she thinks is excellent.

Not sure where you are located, but a referral to Fitzpatricks might be a good idea.

Good luck what ever you decide. :bigarmhug:
Julie and Watson

Offline phoenix

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Re: Anal Cancer Specialist Needed
« Reply #9 on: January 16, 2022, 09:06:02 AM »
Your vet would have to arrange referral, can’t they advise?
North London has the Royal Veterinary college hospital  https://www.rvc.ac.uk/small-animal-vet/specialist-referrals/clinical-services/veterinary-oncology/canine-cancer-services/vets-faq
RIP Marti  the EPI springer age 12,  and beloved black cocker Bobby, 8 yrs old, too soon, from PLN.
Now owned by TInker, tiny hairy grey poodle/terrier rescue from Greece and Jack, local rescue,   scruffy ginger terrier mutt.

Offline Mudmagnets

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Re: Anal Cancer Specialist Needed
« Reply #10 on: January 16, 2022, 12:20:49 PM »
Sorry the place I was going mention (AHT Newmarket) has sadly closed  :'( :'(

perhaps the mods can delete my post please?
Remembering Smudge 23/11/2006 - 3/8/2013, and Branston 30/8/14 - 28/10/22 both now at the Bridge.

Offline cazza

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Re: Anal Cancer Specialist Needed
« Reply #11 on: January 16, 2022, 02:04:50 PM »
 :luv: :luv: Only just seen this, sorry no advice to give but sending loads of love n hugs to you all  :luv: :luv: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:

Offline JohnMcL

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Re: Anal Cancer Specialist Needed
« Reply #12 on: January 21, 2022, 05:08:47 PM »
Just wanted to say a huge thank you everybody, brought tears to my eyes reading messages, it;s really lovely of you all.

Vet has tried two referrals, both have said they are fully booked and will only take emergencies. Vet is trying to get us in and is trying a third, we find out tomorrow.
To top it off Lillie is limping so after tests and x-rays she’s got arthritis in the paw. We can feel the crystal lump between her toes. She’s happy enough and wants to go on the long walks but can’t, we don’t want her to put weight on so both dogs are having veg as instead of treats/kibble. Neither are overly impressed by this change!

This has taught us so much, I wish we’d known to ask for a specialist / discovered our vet’s capabilities but it is what it is and we know now.

Thanks so much everybody.

John.