Spindle Cell

[jedimistress]

My dog is now 12 years old. She has been into hospital (animal) to remove spindle cell lumps from her legs on three occassions. Each time, the same area. Last time 3 appeared, two on one leg and one on another. I felt he yesterday and another one has appeared.

I am wondering how serious it is? Is it fatal? My vet recomends having them taken off but I am not sure exactly how serious they are and if it warrants further distress to my girl? I am worried as she is getting old now , though in good health, if she can continue to take the operations? I mean, does the spindle cell kill? I can't seem to find out much about it or it's severity so any advice would be welcome.

[lankeela]

I think it depends on the breed and the age to which they normally live. If she is a healthy dog of a breed that would normally live into their teens I would say have the op done, as these days the anaesthetics can be reversed very quickly. If she is one of the larger breeds that don't tend to live much older than she is now then I would say let her enjoy her days and don't put her through the treatment.

Sorry you find yourself in this situation, and I hope your resolve it soon, I am sure your vet would not advise the op if it was not going to help.

[jedimistress]

Thanks Lankeela.

I imagine she will live to about 17 if she had no problems. She is a medium terrier, lurcher mongrel. She has always been fit.

She is very spritely and young for her age. When she was 10 and people asked her age I'd say 10, and they'd say "10 months?" No one believes me when I tell them she is 12.

I was also thinking along the same lines. As she is a very young 12 year old so I don't really want to give up.

[lankeela]

Then I'd say go for it. She will no doubt recover quickly, and even if other lumps appear provided she is fit and healthy I am sure she will have many more years with you.