The day before Millie had her eyes removed, Darla had yet another cancerous tumor removed — this one from the top of her head. I took that photo above this morning, showing you the scar that’s left. Ironically, just two?weeks before her surgery, I had taken Darla to Peak for a check-up, where?both our oncologist and internal medicine specialist had examined her. And the oncologist and I together did a complete check of Darla’s body, by hand and sight, for any new growths.
Our veterinary surgeon at Peak, Dr. Kurt Schulz, had already done four operations on Darla to remove cancerous mast cell tumors in the past two years. These things keep popping up on her skin as small growths, in different sizes and shapes and in different parts of her body. So that’s what we were looking for that day, combing through her hair hunting for any new growths. There was nothing. That was on Thursday.
On Sunday morning, I noticed Darla sitting at the top of the stairs, waiting for me to open the gate so she could get to her room. I walked up the stairs, kneeled down to love her up, and immediately saw it: a lump on the top of her head. I couldn’t believe it. This is what it looked like:
My heart sank.
I emailed that photo to our oncologist at Peak, Dr. Kendra Knapik, on Monday, and she called later that day. She suggested?I have our local vet clinic do a fine needle aspirate and send it out for lab analysis, which we did a couple of days later. The pathologist’s report came back saying it was “most consistent with mesenchymal neoplasia,” recommending it be removed and sent in?for further analysis.
This turned out to be Dr. Schulz’s 6th surgery on Darla — the four prior mast cell operations (including spleen removal in one), plus knee surgery. This set a record for the surgeon but not one I really want for bragging rights: This was the most’surgeries he’s ever performed on a single dog before. Of course, that doesn’t count the cataract surgery our veterinary ophthalmologist did?on Darla when she first arrived, restoring her vision. Darla has thus earned her induction into the Pantheon of World’s Most Expensive Dogs! (Wilbur once held the crown for World’s Most Expensive Chihuahua, but after a couple of years of perfect health, he’s probably relinquished the title to another Chihuahua somewhere.)
A few days after the surgery, Dr. Knapik called with good news on the latest pathology results: It was a low-grade soft-tissue sarcoma, with very clean margins, and the chances of it spreading were less than 10%.
Of course, we’ll need to continue to be vigilant and monitor her closely for any new growths.
Any time the subject of her medical expenses comes up, Darla reaches for the tiara that one of our supporters sent her a while back and plops it on her head. (The tiara arrived after I had mentioned on the blog that while Darla had broken all the other rules in the house, we were still holding firm on our “no tiaras on dogs” rule.)
This is her way of reminding us that she’s worth every penny:
Besides, not only is the tiara appropriate for Miss Princess, but it helps hide the’scar until her?hair grows back. So there, she says.
Awwwwe. That is so cute.
STEVE – could we have an update on the horses?
I’m so glad Darla finally got her tiara! She is indeed a worthy Princess. Just look at that face!
She is worth every penny and just gorgeous with her tiara
What a precious queen! I need a tiara myself. I had brain surgery 3 weeks ago, so I need something here! Yes, she is worth every penny. Love you guys.
So glad to hear the Sarcoma appears to be mild. And I love Darla’s tiara. Glad to see she still has her sassiness.
It’s amazing that a lump can appear is such short a time. And a little frightening. I’m so glad that once again she came through with flying colors. And the tiara does hide the scar. And we all agree she’s more than worth the expense. Glad she’s not TOO spoiled. ha ha! Also really happy to hear that Wilbur is doing well.
Aw, what a sweetie in her tiara! And a good sport for putting up with all those trips to the vet and anesthesias and cones and… It takes a lot of sacrifice to achieve these world records.
Our elderly dog had a suddenly-appearing tumour. It was on his leg, just above his paw, and came up literally overnight, the size of a large marble, although biopsy showed it wasn’t malignant. Still very scary to see something like that appear out of nowhere.
Now that Darla has impressed everyone, I think she can take a rest and let someone else have the vet’s attention for a while…
The definition of a strong Princess!! She rocks her tiara!!! Glad she is doing good!!! Thank you for your continued care & compassion for all your residents!!!
She sure earned that crown.
Ah, you guys continue to have a way of turning a troublesome topic into entertainment. Good news for Darla, and catching it quick. Her royal highness continues to provide entertainment!!
LOVE THE TIARA & DARLA & YOU BOTH FOR DOING WHAT YOU DO.
Darla couldn’t be in more capable hands than she is with you!
She’s a princess in the home of a king and a queen.
So there! : )
So glad for good news and that last picture of Darla—priceless!