Katsu-Tumor/lump Removal? what is this? :(
Katsu had this for a month now. Hes been itching and licking around that area. (look at photo) We thought it would disappear after a month but it didnt so we went to the vet couple days ago to check this out and they do a fine needle aspirate and did not get too much results. Doctors recommendation was to remove it and sent it out for a histopathology mircoscopic exam (on this lump). The quote was around 550 dollars and i thought the price was kind of ridiculous since my moms pitbull had her fatty tumor remove for 300 (Michigan) Can anyone on here identify what this is? and if it is serious? BTW, he is acting normal and having the life...same old shiba 500 every night
Comments
Did your DVM mention anything about a suspected mast cell tumor? If (s)he talked about Grade 2, that's probably what (s)he has in the back of the mind. Many mast cell tumors are typically easily recognized on fine needle aspirate since they have darkly staining granules. Unofortunately, not all of them stain well. They can have a variety of outer skin appearances, so it is not possible to detect them based on the lump itself. Mast cell tumors should be surgically excised and they should be graded by histopath. ALL (regardless of grade) are considered malignant. Obviously a Grade 1 or Grade 2 with clean margins have a better prognosis.
Read more about MCTs here: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1600
Take advantage of general anesthesia if you go the surgery route...does Katsu need his teeth cleaned?