Thursday, April 10, 2014

The Results are in...

I took Salsa to the vet this afternoon to have her foot checked and re-bandaged.
When I got there, they took both of us to an exam room instead of just taking Salsa to the back for her bandage.  The assistant said her test results were in and that the doctor will explain them to me instead of calling.  Hmmm?  That had me a little worried.  Salsa might have sensed that because she sat close to me and leaned hard against my leg.  She's such a sweetheart.  I snapped a picture...


The lab report showed that it was a malignant melanoma.  But, in the words of the vet, "it sounds much worse than it is".  This type of cancer has a very low likelihood of reoccurring and it doesn't metastasize.  That's good!  The vet said he was surprised when he did the surgery to find that it was worse than he'd expected.  But, he feels that he got all of it.  This one seemed to grow fast.  So, we'll be checking her feet and between her toes at least once a month to make sure it doesn't come back. 

She got another new bandage and this one seems to be more comfortable for her than the last.
I'll  take her back again on Monday for another check.  They said it's healing very well and that this should be the last bandage.  I'm sure she'll be very happy about that. I know that we will.

13 comments:

Delighted Hands said...

Well, sending a hug to you nd a good belly scratch to Salsa! It's going to be okay!

Cindie said...

Not the news that you wanted to hear about cancer but great news that the vet feels good about it not reoccurring. I'll bet Salsa can't wait to be free of that bandage.

KarenB said...

Wow, so glad it's not the aggressive kind! My friend's golden has a similar growth. I hope it's not the same thing!! Lots of kisses to Salsa.

Kaisievic said...

Hopefully it won't come back. Poor baby.

Art and Sand said...

The words malignant melanoma scare me in people - Steve has had it twice. But, it sounds like it might not be so bad in dogs.

I hope Salsa heals quickly.

Rubye Jack said...

Oh gosh, it's a struggle when our dog's hurt but hopefully Salsa will stay well and strong now. Such a good dog to sit with you like that! She wants to protect you as much as you want to protect her. :)

Susan said...

Such hard news to hear but if the vet feels he got it all, then there's every reason to be glad he did.
(The lab would have checked for clear margins)

We love our ADT's so much... they are such big sweeties.

Big hugs from Susan and Calli

mamasmercantile said...

Thank goodness, its not aggressive, poor thing. Fingers crossed for a quick return to health.

gilly said...

Aw, poor Salsa, and you too, having to go through this, but happy to hear that the vet is confident of having got that nasty melanoma out. Thanks for the update, and give Salsa lots of cuddles and hopefully she'll be back to her usual self very soon.
Hugs xx

Sandra said...

Glad to hear Salsa is okay! Good for you for noticing and checking.

Mereknits said...

Good news you found out so quickly and that you can keep an eye on your gorgeous girl. Hope she heals up quickly.
Hugs to you,
Meredith

benita said...

YIKES!!! Poor dog!

I love the hearts on her collar. That says so much. :)

Quinn said...

Poor Salsa! But she have enjoyed that ticket to the couch. Glad to hear the vet is confident that all will be well with Salsa now. She looks like a very intelligent girl and a lovely companion.