Squamouse cell carcinoma & mandibulectomy

[COBY Colorado]

I am new here to Rottweiler.net but I want to share the story of my Coby. She is 8 and a half and has been a very healthy girl. Around July 4th we noticed some colored discharge from her mouth. When we looked in her mouth you could see a “yucky” spot under her tooth. It kind of looked like a stick had jabbed into her gum. Her breath had gotten progressively worse over the previous few months. We took her to the vet and they thought the tooth was still ok, so gave her antibiotics to clear up the gum. Antibiotics got rid of the green color, but by the next time we went to the vet the tooth was absest and had to be removed. At the end of July they took the tooth out. Right after the surgery there was a small bump under her mouth on her jaw bone. The vet thought it was swelling or an infection. So just more antibiotics. We went across the country on vacation and the bump just exploded. When we went to a Cornell Vet he knew immediately. He did a biopsy and it cam back as Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

We got Coby home and immediately went to CSU. They told us that Squamous Cell is very progressive, but if you get it all before it metastasizes the prognosis is good. To remove it we would have to do a mandibulectomy – which means removing part of her lower jaw. At first I was hesitant wondering about her quality of life. They showed me lots of pictures and said dogs handle it really well. A CT-Scan was done to determine if surgery could get the whole tumor. The amazing thing about CSU is they did the CT-Scan, came out and told me they thought they could get it, and then went right into the mandibulectomy surgery.

We are now into day 4 of recovery. There was lots of swelling, but it is going down. We are having to feed her by blending her food and using a syringe. She took some bits of turkey from our hand this morning, so hopefully she is learning to use her mouth again. Initial pathology results show that the tissue around the tumor was clean. So next week we find out if the bone removed had good enough margins around the cancer. If they got 1 cm margins there is a good prognosis. I am praying for good news in a few days.

This has been so scary. It is so sad to hear the stories of cancer in this wonderful breed. I am wishing everyone facing tough decisions tons of strength. If anyone has experience with mandibulectomies or squamous cell carcinoma I would love to hear your stories. Rottie’s are the best!

[mmgy]

Wow. Hope it continues to go well.

I have a little hint for you.....something that might be easy for her to eat (and will be VERY good for her!) is one of the frozen prepared raw diets. They are ground up and mixed together (easy for you), and wouldn't require much chewing effort (easy for her).

Keep us informed!

[Judi W]

A daring procedure for a brave girl. I know we all are wishing the best outcome for her.

[Trinitii]

It sounds as though you have been through alot and are a wonderful dog mom. Please keep us posted.

Trinitii

[spidey]

Wow...you sound like a brave and committed owner - we're all pulling for you and your girl, here's hoping the lab results come back with good news.

It's been my experience that, as long as any pain is controlled and a dog can get around and eat, most dogs do well with even very extreme procedures that a person might balk at - I hope your dog will be one of them.

[nicodew]

I was hoping to hear from you on this site! I actually looked for you and your husband after lunch, and when I couldn't find you I asked Dr Coe if he knew anything. It all sounds good, I can't believe that it happened so fast! I hope the tests post good results!

Please keep us all posted with Coby's recovery, maybe Dewey and Coby can meet some day as we come to Boulder weekly.

Debra

[COBY Colorado]

Thanks everyone for your encouragement and advice. We are doing a homemade raw diet now...although I will probably have to get one of the frozen prepared diets when I am back to work.

Coby had a good day today. She is always excited to go on a walk. She had a couple friends over (a Chessie and a Lab.) She actually ate the raw meat/oats/etc. mixture without having to blend it. She drinks some water from the bowl, but we give her more from the syringe to make sure she gets enough.

Debra - great to hear from you. I would love for Coby and Dewey to meet. I know you have lots going on right now, so when you want to meet let me know. Keep me posted on Dewey, and best of luck to you over the next few weeks!

[thoradopter]

My best wishes for Coby's recovery. I'm very glad you were able to get swift, expert vet action. Please keep us posted.

Linda

[COBY Colorado]

We got the results back and Dr Kudnig at CSU said they got clean margins!!!! So he said the prognosis is very good! I am so happy. Now we have to get her to eat more and gain a little weight back (I would love to get her to 80 lbs.)

I can not say enough how impressed I was with CSU. It is a big place with a lot of going on, so you have to understand that you may wait in the lobby some. But to me it was amazing that they had a neurologist able to check her, and then do the CT-scan and surgery the next day. Time of course is of the essence with things like this.

I will keep people posted as to the recovery on the mandibulectomy. The stitches come out in a week. I will continue to view this site...and pray for all the Rotties (and owners) who are facing tough times.

[nicodew]

Yeahhhhhhhhh!

That is great news! I will be in Boulder tomorrow, notsure how busy I'llbeor what your day is like. I will check the postings from Boulder if I have time. I will be running around town but the house I visit up there is in East Boulder, closeto a lot of off leash dog parks.
Debra

[COBY Colorado]

Hey Debra -

Sorry I didn't see your post until now. Things have been crazy. We are headed up to CSU to get the stitches out this morning. She is doing really well it seems. How is Dewey? I hope you all are doing well. I will check this more often. I am in South Boulder and I know the dog park you were talking about. If you want to meet there let me know. My schedule is pretty open right now so I can meet almost any time. Take care!

Karen

[nicodew]

Hi Karen,

Had the baby! No walksfor a while, as I had to have surgery. Dew is doing great, andwhoever said Rottweiler's wern't goodwith babies, he loves Kyra!!!!

Glad Coby is doing well, I'llbe in touch, Debra

[COBY Colorado]

CONGRATULATIONS DEBRA!

I hope you are recovering well and enjoying the addition to your family. It doesn't surprise me one bit that Dewey loves Kyra...you know those Good Dog Carl books were written for a reason. I'm glad to hear Dew is doing well. Coby is doing great herself. We go back to CSU for a follow up at the end of the month. I will try to remember to check this to see when you may be coming back to Boulder for a walk. I would love for Coby and Dew to meet, and I would love to meet Kyra too! I probably shouldn't post this, but you can reach me at kreidy@rlc.net. Best wishes to all of you!

Karen