My dog's Palladia isn't working for mast cell tumors. What's next?

There is no defined time length for treatment with palladia, indeed the license refers to duration being 'dependent on response to treatment' and not a set period of weeks or months. Whilst in theory if all cancer cells were killed with one course of treatment you should be able to stop, there is evidence that some dogs are more prone to developing new cancerous cells at any time and extended treatment helps to prevent relapse/recurrence or development of new lesions. Your oncologist is best placed to prescribe depending on progress, side effects and likelihood of new tumour growth.

I am sorry to hear of Tsunami's diagnosis and although paladia could theoretically be a good treatment choice it does not sound like it would be a good fit for her lifestyle. The serious restrictions required for safe use could be very stressful both for her and your family and yes, discussion of safer alternatives with her primary treating vet or oncologist would be a very responsible course to take. Even though treatment may not be as successful, a full assessment of benefits and risks is warranted for the safety of everyone in your household

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This depends on many factors. It depends on where the main tumor is located, if it has spread to other organs, among many other factors. Even high grade tumors can have a good longterm outcome of years of survival when treated aggressively with surgery and chemotherapy if there is no evidence of metastasis to internal organs. However, if there is already spread to internal organs like the liver and the spleen, the survival times tend to be closer to 3-4 months even with chemotherapy. Staging to check for metastasis usually includes thoracic radiographs, abdominal ultrasound and assessment of the local lymph nodes. At the very least, I recommend medications like Pepcid, Benadryl and prednisone that can help with these cases when there is still evidence of a mass present. Good luck and have a good night!

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog! Unfortunately, mast cell tumors do not have a good prognosis as they prone to spreading and some of them can release histamine, a hormone which is responsible for allergy-like reactions. It is definitely concerning that your dog is unable to keep food down and has additional tumors. While surgery is an option, there are some medications that your vet can prescribe to make your dog more comfortable. You may have some difficult decisions to make about his future, but it is important to consider his quality of life and overall condition. I'm happy to answer any additional questions you may have or address any concerns.

I believe I provided you with the answer to this question before regarding the tapering. Now that I know that he is being treated for MCT, I would recommend speaking to your vet regarding the treatment. Prednisone is not generally considering the gold standard treatment for this condition. If he has not offered you a referral to an oncologist, I would request one if you are looking to pursue any other therapies. One of the best therapies available right now for Mast Cell Tumors is a drug called Palladia. I would love to consult with you concerning Hachi's condition including this drug and a possible tapering schedule if you were not clear on the answer I provided you earlier. Just let me know or one of the other experts here so we can try and find a way to make Hachi more comfortable.

The option is to do nothing and just wait until the tumor is so big that is causes problems or pain or ulcerates. There really are no other options other than surgery (debulking the tumor), maybe radiation (this willl depend on the kind of tumor) or chemotherapy (which also depends on the kind of tumor. I suggest you discuss palliative care (just treat symptoms until euthanasia) with your veterinarian. I am sorry your Rusty is so ill.

I am so sorry for this sad news. I would call your vet and see if they can give her any fluids to help hydrate her and get her started on an appetite stimulate. They could also possibly give her an infection of cerenia or Zofran which are great to help with nausea and vomiting. Unfortunately, she may need something to help with the nausea so she feels better and more willing to eat and drink. If you can figure out a way to make her eat and get the pred in her, it will make her feel better. The vet may even have an injectable form of prednisone or some other type of steroid that could be beneficial if you can't get the oral type in her. If these things don't work and you don't want to take her to an oncologist, then I would conisder her quality of life and euthanasia may be the best option for her. I hope this helps and I am so sorry you are having to deal with this. Hang in there!