Partial mandibulectomy

[ajacobson]

One of my dogs, Tuk, was diagnosed with oral melanoma of the left mandible and yesterday had a section of lower jaw removed. Incredibly, he is back home today and doing pretty well. Dogs are amazing animals - their recuperative capabilities are awesome.

Tuk is holding his jaw to the side. The vets said that jaw shift was a possibility. But then sometimes he is holding it in the normal place. So I am hoping for the best...

Anybody have experience with this?

[BrklynLiberal]

1. I don't have any experience with this but wanted to offer my support

anyway. Their lack of self-pity and pessimism is amazing isn't it?
Wouldn't it be great if we could all have their great attitude?
Glad to heard that Tuk is doing so well.
Lots of love and affection are surely essential to his recovery as well, and I am sure he is getting plenty of that.

This is a site with lots of info about treating pets with cancer.
http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/healthypets.htm

http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/acancer.htm

[ajacobson]

2. Thanks!

I appreciate your support. This has been tough for me, Tuk is my favorite dog of the six I have. Not to say I don't cherish all of them, but Tuk is special. He is fascinated by the behavior patterns of humans.

Things have moved unbelievably quick on this. Tuk had a mass on his gum removed on 12/2. It was biopsied and classified as malignant by 12/15. Back to the regular vet on 12/17 for a chest x-ray to check if it spread to the lungs (didn't, whew). He saw a oncologist on 12/19 and was in surgery on 12/22, then back home today.

Chemo and maybe radiation therapy to come yet but so far we are catching a lot of good breaks.

[IndyOp]

3. I don't have experience with a pet with cancer...

but I know I fear it and so I commend you for acting so quickly on Tuk's behalf. It sounds like you have pulled out all the stops to make sure he gets the best treatment possible. :hug:

Maybe you would like to read this and contact Crybaby - her lab, Jake, was diagnosed with cancer and had to have his leg removed...
<http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=243x12307>

Here are pics of Jake after surgery...
<http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=243x12551>

I would guess that there are also discussion boards out there for people whose pets have cancer/have had treatment for cancer. :shrug:

Please keep us posted...

[BrklynLiberal]

4. Here is a link to a post in one of those threads with info and links to

more info about canine cancer patients...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=243&topic_id=12307&mesg_id=12396

[ajacobson]

5. Much appreciated! n/t