It's a Husky Thing - Siberian Husky Forum
Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.


A forum for owners of the Siberian Husky.
 
HomeSearchLatest imagesRegisterRegisterLog in
Congratulations Nikita, Archer, and Cheyanne!, our November HOTM winners! HOTM Will Be Taking An Indefinite Break!
Husky of the Month
Congrats Nikita, Archer, and Cheyanne,
our November HOTM Winners!
Husky Cuddles!





Thanks to all for this month's entries!
Forum Rules
1. Here we prefer clarity to agreement. Obviously not everyone is going to agree on a topic; here we prefer to talk out our differences in a respectful manner to ensure mutual understanding and respect.
2. Read the Stickies and Announcements. Each sub-forum may have specific rules which trump the Forum Rules in cases where there may be conflicting information. Read the rules of each board before you post so that you are clear on the expectations of the staff.
3. Respect ALL Staff and Admins. These people volunteer of their time and MUST be respected as well as their word adhered to. They are responsible for maintaining a free, open, clear and organized forum. Anyone found to be openly undermining any official ruling by a staff member will be warned.
4. Signatures: One picture only and no links. Images: To keep the forum looking neat and tidy, we ask that members insert just one picture only in their signatures. The picture should be no more than 200x500 pixels and should be of an appropriate subject, for example, your dogs and their names. Should you need assistance creating an appropriate signature, please PM an Admin and we would be happy to help! This is to ensure that signatures remain a welcome addition to our forum instead of a cumbersome distraction. Links: Hyperlinks in signatures--unless to a personal blog or photo stream of your dogs (like Flckr or Piscasa, for example)--are strictly prohibited. Please PM a staff member with any questions or concerns regarding this rule.
Rescue Spotlight
Our current rescue spotlight is:

Delaware Valley Siberian Husky Rescue!

Top Dog Website Award Winner!

Top Website
for
Siberian

Huskys


Share
 

 Mishka has cancer.

View previous topic View next topic Go down 
AuthorMessage
simplify
Senior
Senior
simplify

Female Join date : 2012-08-02
Location : Louisiana

Mishka has cancer. Empty
PostSubject: Mishka has cancer.   Mishka has cancer. EmptySat Aug 25, 2018 5:39 pm

So if anyone has been wondering where I've been, the title of this thread may clue you in.

In March, I noticed Mishka's mouth was looking funny. Now as someone who doesn't always look in my dog's mouth and most often sees them from above, I never really noticed anything amiss up until this point. We went on a little "hike" with some friends and when editing the photos I really noticed how much this bump was protruding out of his mouth.

Mishka has cancer. 21105925_10100938411388544_4042112103242832336_n

So we made a vet appointment a couple of weeks later went to see a veterinarian at MSAH in Metairie.

By this time Mishka's mouth had looked more like this.

Mishka has cancer. 29695405_10100938411353614_5807344071181704336_n

That day we did a biopsy (2 punches and 2 teeth were sent in as the teeth were no longer attached) and x-rays. A few days later the biopsy results came back as "gingival hyperplasia" which isn't common in huskies. The vet suggested we just keep an eye on it and do a followup in 6 weeks (May). Everything stayed the same, so on our 6 week check up we were to just keep an out out for any changes.

Mishka has cancer. 40131310
This was May 10.



About a month after our check up, I noticed the growth was getting larger. So I scheduled an appointment with another veterinarian at MSAH who had experience with the "gingival hyperplasia" and wanted to get a second opinion. As soon as she saw him she said it wasn't GH.

We were then referred to a surgeon at MedVet to see Dr. Lang. Dr. Lang wanted to do a deeper biopsy and a CT scan before she could give us any possible surgical options. We scheduled the surgery for 2 weeks later.

Mishka has cancer. 40042210
July 19.




Our biopsy and CT scan was 2 weeks ago. It took more than the proposed 5-7 days to get the call. Dr. Lang called me yesterday with the news. The biopsy results came back as fibrosarcoma, which is a malignant cancer. They also found an enlarged lymph node on the CT scan. Our options are limited but she recommended us go see a radiation oncologist. We have an appointment scheduled Tuesday at LSU vet school.

The one good thing about all of this is that Mishka has been his normal self through all of this despite his outward appearance. He has maintained his appetite and energy, no weight loss.

So hopefully we will see how we will move forward with this.



Mishka has cancer. 40073310
August 16.


Mishka has cancer. 40048510
August 21.

_________________
Mishka has cancer. Signat11
Mishka has cancer. O8Cmm5
Back to top Go down
Artic_Wind
Senior
Senior
Artic_Wind

Male Join date : 2014-07-23
Location : San Diego, California

Mishka has cancer. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Mishka has cancer.   Mishka has cancer. EmptySat Aug 25, 2018 7:55 pm

It breaks my heart to read this, and see the pictures, Ashleigh. I am truly so very sorry you guys are going through this. Upon joining this forum, Mishka was instantly one of my favorite Huskies and the pics you capture of him always did him such justice. I am so sad right now, I have tears in my eyes. Please keep us updated and if you need anything, please let us know.

I don't know if you are on Instagram, Ashleigh, but there is an account there "iriesbucketlist" where I believe this Husky had the same cancer, only more to the side of the face. Her journey is well documented there and *may* help you to read it.
Back to top Go down
simplify
Senior
Senior
simplify

Female Join date : 2012-08-02
Location : Louisiana

Mishka has cancer. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Mishka has cancer.   Mishka has cancer. EmptySat Aug 25, 2018 10:01 pm

Thank you Jimmy! I got the call yesterday at work and as much as I tried to hold it back I ended up crying most of the day. I wish I could have just left to come home and spend it with my boy.

I do remember seeing her posts on FB but I'll definitely go look her instagram up.

_________________
Mishka has cancer. Signat11
Mishka has cancer. O8Cmm5


Last edited by simplify on Sat Aug 25, 2018 10:28 pm; edited 1 time in total
Back to top Go down
gclark1990
Newborn
Newborn


Join date : 2018-08-14

Mishka has cancer. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Mishka has cancer.   Mishka has cancer. EmptySat Aug 25, 2018 10:18 pm

Ugh, reading that and seeing the pictures is truly gut wrenching. Poor little baby Sad

Fingers crossed for Mishka. So sorry you guys have to go through this.
Back to top Go down
amymeme
Senior
Senior
amymeme

Female Join date : 2013-12-20

Mishka has cancer. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Mishka has cancer.   Mishka has cancer. EmptySat Aug 25, 2018 11:53 pm

Ashley, I am so sorry to hear this news. My heart goes out to you and Mishka.
Back to top Go down
TwisterII
Senior
Senior
TwisterII

Female Join date : 2013-06-14
Location : Missouri

Mishka has cancer. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Mishka has cancer.   Mishka has cancer. EmptySun Aug 26, 2018 10:24 am

I'm glad he's doing well despite what I would think would be difficult to eat around, but you both are troopers. Sending good vibes. Hope good news will come your way on this.

_________________
Mishka has cancer. Huskyf10
Back to top Go down
ZiMan
Newborn
Newborn


Join date : 2018-05-18

Mishka has cancer. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Mishka has cancer.   Mishka has cancer. EmptySun Aug 26, 2018 2:35 pm

Wow, the pictures show the change in dramatic fashion. I’m so sorry you and Mishka are going through this. Thank you for sharing your story, and I wish the best for treatment and recovery.

Sent from Topic'it App
Back to top Go down
dvflyer
Adult
Adult


Join date : 2018-04-07
Location : San Diego

Mishka has cancer. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Mishka has cancer.   Mishka has cancer. EmptySun Aug 26, 2018 3:37 pm

Very sorry this has happened.

Best wishes.
Back to top Go down
aljones
Senior
Senior
aljones

Male Join date : 2014-08-18
Location : Terlingua, Texas

Mishka has cancer. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Mishka has cancer.   Mishka has cancer. EmptySun Aug 26, 2018 3:52 pm

Another of those - I don't know what to say ... thoughts and prayers for all of you.

_________________
Mishka has cancer. S-event    Mishka has cancer. S-event

“Properly trained, a man can be dog’s best friend.”

Corey Ford                    .
Back to top Go down
Jennet&Embry
Senior
Senior
Jennet&Embry

Female Join date : 2010-09-15
Location : Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Mishka has cancer. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Mishka has cancer.   Mishka has cancer. EmptySun Aug 26, 2018 8:05 pm

Ashleigh I’m so sorry to hear this. I can’t belive how quickly it grew. Poor Mishka, you guys are in my thoughts.
Back to top Go down
MiyasMomma
Senior
Senior
MiyasMomma

Female Join date : 2014-06-26
Location : west Texas

Mishka has cancer. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Mishka has cancer.   Mishka has cancer. EmptyMon Aug 27, 2018 2:01 am

Ashleigh, I am so sorry Sad Hugs and positive thoughts to you and Mishka. <3
Back to top Go down
jbealer
Husky Stalker
jbealer

Female Join date : 2009-05-29
Location : Denver, CO

Mishka has cancer. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Mishka has cancer.   Mishka has cancer. EmptyMon Aug 27, 2018 5:34 pm

Wow, to see the progression is so heart wrenching. I have seen the updates on FB but to see and hear more of what you have been going through my heart hurts so bad for you both. I have seen such an increase of cancer in huskies over the last year its shocking for a breed not known to have many cancer issues. Please keep us updated on what you can do for him, i am glad he is acting normal for now. Love every moment you get and keep him happy for as long as you can.

HUGS to you.

_________________
Mishka has cancer. Iaht10
Back to top Go down
Artic_Wind
Senior
Senior
Artic_Wind

Male Join date : 2014-07-23
Location : San Diego, California

Mishka has cancer. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Mishka has cancer.   Mishka has cancer. EmptyWed Aug 29, 2018 12:03 am

I thought about you guys all day today, Ashleigh, how did Mishka's appointment go?
Back to top Go down
RedFlashFire05
Senior
Senior
RedFlashFire05

Join date : 2015-05-19
Location : manteca, ca

Mishka has cancer. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Mishka has cancer.   Mishka has cancer. EmptyThu Aug 30, 2018 7:25 pm

i'm so sorry Sad , sends hugs for everyone and positive energy and prayers for Mishka.
Back to top Go down
Here4thePics
Comedic Relief


Male Join date : 2009-07-15

Mishka has cancer. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Mishka has cancer.   Mishka has cancer. EmptySat Sep 01, 2018 7:48 am

Always sorry to read about canine cancers. I lost Mylo, 8 yrs ago to it. Adobo, needed cancer removal surgery a few years back. Sorry to say this but Miska's looks quite aggressive, I wish you both well and remember quality of life when taking care of the pup.

Cancer
The mere mention of the word cancer is enough to frighten even the most steadfast dog lover. A study conducted by the British Small Animal Veterinary Association found that 31 percent of all Siberian husky deaths in the trial were from cancer. Huskies are particularly prone to basal cell tumors, sebaceous and anal gland tumors. Early detection is the best way to bust cancer, and you should run your hands over your dog frequently to check for unusual lumps. Cancer might seem like a life sentence, but with surgical removal and chemotherapy, your husky can live a longer, healthier life.
Back to top Go down
simplify
Senior
Senior
simplify

Female Join date : 2012-08-02
Location : Louisiana

Mishka has cancer. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Mishka has cancer.   Mishka has cancer. EmptySat Sep 01, 2018 6:14 pm

Thank you everyone. Sorry to the delay in responding - it's been a crazy week.

We went to LSU Tuesday and unfortunately our options are not good. I'm going to go ahead and copy/paste my post from FB so as not to have to retype it all.

-----

It's not the news I was hoping to get and have to share with everyone. We went to LSU veterinary teaching hospital Tuesday with a little bit of optimism. Unfortunately the prognosis is not good.

Mishka has what they call a high low fibrosarcoma. Clinically it is growing like a high grade tumor, but histopathically it is growing like a low grade (1 on the mitotic scale). These tumors are locally aggressive, though they typically do not metastasize to other organs or parts of the body (which basically means it doesn't usually spread to other parts of the body).

Our options are doing a round of palliative radiation therapy for 4 weeks, which may stall the growth of the tumor for 4-6 months before it starts again. Radiation itself has it's downsides between recovery time and side effects but there is also the cost and fact that I would have to travel 2 hours each way to Baton Rouge for a month twice a week at best.

The other option is to treat it medically with pain medications (acetam w/ codeine) and a NSAID (piroxicam), which is what we are currently going with. This option may only give him 2 months before the tumor overtakes his nasal passages enabling him to breathe as well as causing bone necrosis in the affected area.

As of right now, he does not seem to be in pain. He is bright, alert, active, eating, drinking, etc. - all normally. I was advised to soften his food so I started to soak his kibble in warm water and am supplementing with golden paste and fish oil.

I am looking into some holistic options as well. We are going back on a raw food diet and looking into some herbal remedies that may also help keep him comfortable.

As of right now I am at a loss. I do not know what the best option is and I know that only I can make this decision. The thought of losing my best friend so soon is crushing.

I appreciate everyone's thoughts and suggestions and help. <3

_________________
Mishka has cancer. Signat11
Mishka has cancer. O8Cmm5
Back to top Go down
TwisterII
Senior
Senior
TwisterII

Female Join date : 2013-06-14
Location : Missouri

Mishka has cancer. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Mishka has cancer.   Mishka has cancer. EmptySat Sep 01, 2018 11:02 pm

Ugh....I'm not sure if trying keto would work on this sort of thing or not. I know people have had great response in cancer and tumors on keto and several dogs have as well. There is a Facebook group for keto for dogs that have a lot of people who have turned to it and can help if it's something you are interested in trying.

_________________
Mishka has cancer. Huskyf10
Back to top Go down
simplify
Senior
Senior
simplify

Female Join date : 2012-08-02
Location : Louisiana

Mishka has cancer. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Mishka has cancer.   Mishka has cancer. EmptySat Sep 01, 2018 11:39 pm

Yeah I don't know either. He hasn't lost any weight and I don't want the high fat to make him gain. We're going to just start with PMR again and see how he does on that.

I had several people recommend it from the FB groups I've posted in but I just bought 80lbs of pre-made raw for him so I'm not letting that go to waste.

_________________
Mishka has cancer. Signat11
Mishka has cancer. O8Cmm5
Back to top Go down
TwisterII
Senior
Senior
TwisterII

Female Join date : 2013-06-14
Location : Missouri

Mishka has cancer. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Mishka has cancer.   Mishka has cancer. EmptySat Sep 01, 2018 11:46 pm

I hear ya. Just got a freezer clean out. Meat is basically gold when feeding raw.

_________________
Mishka has cancer. Huskyf10
Back to top Go down
Husky911
Puppy
Puppy
Husky911

Male Join date : 2017-03-30
Location : Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Mishka has cancer. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Mishka has cancer.   Mishka has cancer. EmptySun Sep 02, 2018 6:27 pm

Hey simplify!!!

I'm so sorry to hear about Mishka's prognosis, but am super stoked to see that what he's going through doesn't seem to be bothering him or affecting his spirits.  One thing I love about husky personalities, they can seem to make light of anything!

I'm 100% in favour of you going raw for him.  I think it will be easier for him to eat as well and keep his appetite strong as I have yet to see a dog turn their nose away from raw meat!  I don't know if you have access to any companies that prepare all the raw diets for you, but you might consider those as these are typically all ground up including the bones so Mishka has the proper bone content in his diet but doesn't have to chew it.  The ground up raw meat products also are super easy to add water to make it even more palatable.

As for a holistic pain remedy, might I suggest you start him on CBD oil/Hemp tincture?  It's a natural anti-inflammatory, improves overall anxiety and energy amongst other things.  While obviously not a cure, I think you might be able to cut out the more harsh long term pain medications, and keep his anxiety about what's going on down?  Definitely start with a low dose and then titrate up to effect.  =D.

Sending both of you some positive vibes and keep us updated with his progress! wave
Back to top Go down
jalepeno
Senior
Senior
jalepeno

Male Join date : 2010-12-22
Location : Portland, OR

Mishka has cancer. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Mishka has cancer.   Mishka has cancer. EmptyMon Sep 03, 2018 6:50 pm

I posted a couple days ago on this and it disappeared (?)

My second husky developed cancer (squamous cell) on her leg at age 9.
Our vet gave her six months and said the recommended treatment was amputation.
He didn't want to do that on a husky and sent us to a specialist.
The specialist recommended radiation and chemo.
Back to talk about quality of life issues, our vet had another idea.
He said perhaps he could do a severe, radical surgery that was very deep.
We opted to do that.
The recovery was tough and Tasha wore a bandage for nine months.
But she lived almost until 14 and didn't die of cancer.
Back to top Go down
Sponsored content




Mishka has cancer. Empty
PostSubject: Re: Mishka has cancer.   Mishka has cancer. Empty

Back to top Go down
 

Mishka has cancer.

View previous topic View next topic Back to top 
Page 1 of 1

 Similar topics

-
» Meet Mishka
» Mishka's vet visit
» 52 weeks of Mishka
» Mishka and her BFF. (Pic heavy!)
» Kaiser and Mishka Walkies

Permissions in this forum:You cannot reply to topics in this forum
It's a Husky Thing - Siberian Husky Forum :: Advice and Discussion Forums :: Medical Issues-