>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]