Prue- Mast Cell Tumours

Critter Chat Pet Profile Prudence the Pug
Pet Profile - Prudence Hughes

STAR SIGN: Taurus. Pru enjoys the finer things in life and is more than happy to be waited on!

INTERESTS: Food, cuddles, long walks on the beach, rides in the car and hanging out with her brother,Bruce, and mum, Georgia.

BEST FEATURE: Her loving and gentle nature, especially with children.

WORST FEATURE: She's a Pug, therefore she has no worst feature!!! (Except perhaps her snoring)

SIZE: perfect lap size, and will happily prove it and sit on anyone’s lap!

Pru is the much loved Pug of local lady Georgia Hughes. Georgia had noticed a lump on Pru’s normally perfect derriere and thought it wise to have it investigated further. Removal and pathology on the lump at our clinic revealed it was an invasive mast cell tumour(MCT), and on our advice, Georgia made a appointment with a Brisbane specialist to have further surgery to remove more of the surrounding tissue. As well as a butt lift, pru’s extreme makeover included a shortening of her soft palate (but we’ll leave that subject for another critter chat).

MCT’s are a common cancer seen in all dogs, but certain breeds are more susceptible to the tumour including pugs, boxers, Staffordshire bull terriers, Rhodesian ridgebacks, Boston terriers and Weimaraners. A mast cell is a type of blood cell that is normally a body’s response to allergens and inflammation. Occasionally these cells can become cancerous and develop into a mast cell tumours - which was the case with Prudence. What may look like a skin wart or fatty lump may in fact be a MCT making it almost impossible to identify by just a observation, therefore we may suggest a sample of cell from the lump via needle aspirate for microscopic investigation.

Most mast cell tumours are cured by surgery alone - which was the case with Prudence. But some tumours unfortunately are more aggressive meaning chemotherapy is required. For a mast cell tumour that has already spread the prognosis could mean chemotherapy and or radiation treatment.

Should your pet have any lumps, bumps or lesions that you are worried about please make a appointment with our clinic so we can look into it for you.

We are pleased to report Prudence has recovered from her trip to the big smoke and is once again enjoying life to the fullest from her palace in 1770.