>Last week, Dillon has a mast cell tumor removed (confirmed by pathology).
>All edges were clear.  It was located about an inch behind and below his
>ear, sort of around the shoulder area.  Doc is recommending that we do a
>chest x-ray to see whether it has metasticized (sp).  This is a new thing.
>They have never recommended x-rays before.  He said they're seeing some
>nasty ones in dogs and the current teachings are recommending x-rays for
>ferrets too.
 
Dear X:
 
I have not heard of this, have never seen this, and if conventional wisdom
is suggesting that they metastasize in ferrets, then it is just wrong.
 
Next point - mast cell tumors rarely metastasize to the lungs in dogs -
that is not a typical pattern of metastasis for mast cell tumors.
 
Save your money on this one.
 
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM
[Posted in FML issue 3738]