Spinal Cord Tumor

[gingergoode]

My 7 year old rottie Ginger just got diagnosed w/ a tumor that is pressing on her spinal cord. I have talked w/one other person on rottweiler.net that has been through this before. I wanted to see if others have experienced with this and what they did for their dog. The neurologist tells me that he can remove the tumor, it is not that invasive, but we don't know if it is malignant or not until it come out. I really don't know what to do. I need some advice.

Thanks,
Brandy

[Anne]

The very fact that you needed to consult a neurologist tells me that this tumor is affecting your dog. What will happen if you do nothing at all? It will probably result in your dog suffering pain.

I would go with the recommendation of your neurologist.

If I had a tumor on my spinal cord I would have a neurosurgeon do the surgery.

[dennisj]

It was not my dog but my wife who had surgery for this just last month. It is known as spinal meningioma. It is usually benign. Her surgery was done on June 21 and she is doing great. The surgery has to be done or it will only get worse. Good luck.

[BostonRott]

My 6yr old bitch had a tumor develop on her spine. We saw absolutely NO symptoms until she was suddely paralyzed. Once we figured out it was a tumor and not a blown disk or tick borne disease, we put her down. The entire course of things was 1 week. She was in severe pain if you moved her wrong, and her whole back end was paralyzed for the last 2 days of her life.

[gingergoode]

Thank you for your story. Ginger is in no pain, as far as I can tell. She is still very mobile. We go on walks and play in the yard. She chases bunnies and anything else that comes in the backyard. I am currently waiting to hear back from a neurosurgeon that specializes in brain and spinal cord tumors to get her opinion about surgery. I will keep you updated. --Brandy

[livertw]

I hope Ginger and you have a wonderful weekend. I'll be thinking of you and extra-hugging my almost 6-year-old Daisy. We sure do have wonderful animals, don't we! I just could not leave this thread today without reaching out in some little way to you and Ginger.

[gingergoode]

Thank you very much. I appreciate your thoughts. --Brandy

[Miss Greta]

Just curious, but what happened that your vet looked for and found the tumor? I'm glad she's not in pain now, but remember how stoic a Rott is, and watch her carefully

[gingergoode]

Miss Greta,
Check out the thread any ideas limping on left hind leg. That will explain what all we have went through.

[Miss Greta]

Thanks, gingerdoole, I will.