The exact survival expectancy depends on the mast cell tumors grade (grade I, grade II, or grade III). I really appreciate you taking the time to share your story with our readers. Many affected dogs have no signs other than the presence of the tumor. The difference in clean verses dirty margins is all about the cells left behind. Comparison of fine-needle cytologic diagnosis between the left and right liver lobes of dogs and cats with diffuse liver disease. My 5yr old lab pointer was recently diagnosed with a low grade sub-cutaneous MCT. I keep getting told that if I allow him to have his pinnae resected, that may prevent further MCTs. Radiation therapy A type of radiation therapy called CFRT (conventionally fractionated radiation therapy) can be used alone to treat mast cell tumors or following a surgery where some cancer cells remain. Expression of Ki67, BCL-2, and COX-2 in canine cutaneous mast cell tumors: association with grading and prognosis. Written by Active surveillance for any new lump or bump is essential in such cases, and early evaluation is recommended any dog with a skin mass. You never know how her quality of life might be impacted by a simple medication unless you give it a shot. Mast cell tumors are common skin tumors in dogs. It was inoperable, so we started him on 75MG benadryl three times a day and famotidine 20MG twice a day. the patient is one of the susceptible breeds, the MCT is located at a junction where the skin meets mucous membranes (e.g., the gums), when viewed under the microscope, the number of cells actively replicating is high. However, it is established that mast cell tumors are more likely to occur in certain dog breeds such as: Mast cell disease or mast cell tumors trigger an array of symptoms. I also give him Zyrtec every day, and Benedryl as needed. In rare cases, mast cell tumors may disseminate, spreading rapidly and growing throughout the body. Mast cell tumors of the skin can occur anywhere on the body and vary in appearance. I caught this two weeks ago and immediately go into our Vet. A concurrent overall health evaluation includes a thorough physical exam (some dogs can have multiple skin tumors at the time of diagnosis), bloodwork, and urinalysis. Katelyn Son is a holistic pet wellness expert and the Content Manager for Veterinarians.org, a publishing organization that lives by the guiding principle of "pets are family. Talk with your veterinarian to determine if your dog may be a candidate for Stelfonta. Christy Caplan is a certified vet technician, writer, blogger, chicken keeper, and storyteller. Dr. Julie Buzby August 11, 2022 73 Comments. After the surgery the vet recommended he take a benadryl as a daily supplement and he never had another one. I cant bare the thought of losing her. Thank you for sharing your experience with our readers! Our American Bulldog, Finch, is a rescue. I hope your pup can continue to find joy in her days and retain a good quality of life. MCTs have been classically called 'the great pretenders' in that they may mimic or resemble something as simple as an insect bite, wart, or allergic reaction, to other, less serious, types of skin tumors. Thank you for sharing your story with us and please keep us updated! can grow in other locations like the liver, bone marrow, and intestine. Itchy lumps. Enjoy every minute and feel free to leave an update as things progress. The exact survival expectancy depends on the mast cell tumors grade (grade I, grade II, or grade III). Not only do these tumors vary in appearance, they also vary in prognosis. Im hoping they are grade 1 and done. This makes me so happy! My vet said it probably is a MCT. I hope you can find the advice you need to make the best choice for you and your senior boy. 2021 Dr. Buzbys ToeGrips. Histologic grading of canine mast cell tumor: is 2 better than 3? I was working at a vet hospital when she was brought in by the Humane Society. When mast cell tumors degranulate, you may see mild symptoms like itching and swelling in the area around the tumor. Hi Eadie, Plus, it is safe and rarely causes any side effects (minor gastrointestinal upsets are possible). What a blessing! My heart goes out to you as you face these last days with your senior girl. Ive never seen anything this aggressive. Squamous cell carcinoma: Digital squamous cell carcinoma in dogs can spread to the lymph nodes and lungs. Symptoms of Canine Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs. If the bricks were something benign, the vet wouldnt need to remove as much tissue around the tumor. They can also occur in any dog of any age. Hi Penny, The tumors seen in this disease can vary in appearance considerably, and include: Solitary raised lumps or bumps under the skin. Benadryl is used to help prevent the tumors from degranulating, but it does not prevent them from forming in the first place. Here is a list of the symptoms of mast cell tumor in dogs: Skin lesions Loss of appetite Vomiting Enlarged lymph nodes Sluggishness Quick breathing Diarrhea Abdominal pain Weight loss Pale gums Acute lethargy She was found on the side of the road in winter. Intratumoral Injections. Im just confused. Hi Brenda, If the tissue is looking unhealthy and your dog is licking constantly, I am almost positive your boy is painful despite his daily medications. 2021 Oct;14(10):2670-2677. doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.2670-2677. This is why its important to seek veterinary care when you find a bump on your dog thats out of the ordinary. The majority of pets tolerate chemotherapy very well and are able to enjoy their normal lifestyle. She hasnt had any digestive or eating issues before or after her surgery. His tumor was an aggressive grade, so we are going to try chemo as a preventative. He loves his diet, and takes his pills like a champ. Dogs that develop one skin mast cell tumor are at risk for developing future mast cell tumors. One important thing to know about diagnosing mast cell tumors is that they have been called the great pretenders in that they may mimic or resemble other conditions. Praying for many happy days ahead with your sweet boy. Individual chemotherapy drugs also have the potential for their own specific side effects which your pets oncologist will discuss with you. For some dogs, a mast cell tumor is just a one-time problem that surgery can quickly and completely resolve. Amen. The last one he had was after a family move to a new home at the time he was 11 years old and a tumor came up within 2 weeks of the move. My 8ish yr old Spaniel/Chow? During an FNA procedure, the vet will insert a 22-gauge needle into the tumor and redirect it multiple times. government site. And these tumors are made more dangerous by the fact they can look like any other skin or subcutaneous (i.e. I have a soon to be seven year old French Bulldog. Mast cell tumors account for 16% to 21% of all tumors found in the skin. Unlike other treatment options, the veterinarian will inject this medication directly into the mast cell tumor. The tumor as a whole is graded from I-III, with grade I as much less aggressive than grade III MCTs. Some of the tumors she has have ulcerated. Mast cell tumors can spread to other parts of the body if not diagnosed and treated promptly. A mast cell tumor (MCT) is a type of tumor consisting of mast cells. This is because they are much more likely to occur in brachycephalic dogs of bulldog descent such as: The picture below shows a mast cell tumor on the upper lip of a Boston Terrier. Overview: Mast cell tumors are the most common type of skin tumor found in dogs and the second most common skin tumor in cats. Your dogs oncologist will evaluate these factors when determining the most effective treatment options. They can also be anywhere on a dogs body trunk, head, legs, tail, ears, nose, paws, eyelids, etc. However, that is not always the case. 2006;4(1):28. My dog Coconut has had 3 mast cells in the last 12 month. December she was in surgery. In May, the groomer noticed an ulcerated mass in her ventral area (she has long shaggy hair). Others appear as red, ulcerated, bleeding, bruised, and/or swollen growths. Come what may, we will keep her happy and comfortable for whatever time God gives us with her. Or maybe the mass had been there for years. Sign up for the best pet advice you can get. London C, Thamm D. Mast Cell Tumors. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? So blessed to have caught it in time!! If we stop the chemo and other meds is she likely to die, and what will her life prior to her death be and look like? Mast cell tumors are caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors in dogs. Mast cell tumors are aggressive and tend to invade surrounding tissues. She starts Chemo (Vinblastine) next week. Both came out benign. Required fields are marked *. 2013;42(1):99102. Finch is only 3 years old. Martins AL, Carvalho FF, Mesquita JR, Grtner F, Amorim I. We battled a MCT last November. A mast cell is a type of white blood cell that is found in many tissues of the body. Some mast cell tumors are too big to be able to be completely removed. Contact Us! 2015 Jan;52(1):70-3. doi: 10.1177/0300985814521638. Why a particular dog may develop this, or any cancer, is not straightforward. This is where histopathology comes in. It stayed like this for almost 18 months. Mast cell tumors (MCTs) are the most common malignant skin cancer in dogs, and significant variability exists in their biological behavior. will let you all know more tomorrow after surgery. St Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier; 2013. Evaluation of risk and clinical outcome of mast cell tumours in pug dogs. This is true for dogs presenting with multiple tumors or dogs who develop more than one mast cell tumor over time. Your email address will not be published. We did Benadryl/Pepcid throughout. The lumps reacted immediately to the medication, shrinking and even a couple disappearing within 4-5 doses. I have continued his diet and meds, and now he has a new lump on the same back thigh. Canine mast cell tumor protocol. Christy Caplan, Certified Veterinary Technician, 2022 Veterinarian.org, LLC. When it comes to mast cell tumors, well-differentiated tumors are slow growing. CT scan showed what they thought to be a vascular type benign tumour. I noticed a few months ago that she had a lump that would come and go, which made me think it was a bug bite. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, if it is caught and removed early. Praying you can make the most of the time you have together. Preparing for Your Dogs Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace Most dogs with MCT (60-70%) only develop one tumor. Whenever a pet does not tolerate chemotherapy well we are typically able to successfully adjust the dose and supportive medications to avoid such side effects in the future. surgery) may be required to achieve a definitive answer. Mast cells contain granules packed with chemicals including histamine. I just wish I had brought her to the vet earlier when I first noticed the tumor and it was still small. My 12 year old Husky/Shepard mix was diagnosed with a MCT back in August 2022. it started as a small lump but then quickly grew larger. March finished chemotherapyI literally just looked today at her arm pit area and noticed a ball. What a blessing it was for you to find each other after such a rough beginning for your sweet girl. But when histamine (and the other compounds) are released in excessive amounts (with mass degranulation), they can cause full-body effects, including anaphylaxis, a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction. My 14-year-old Irish setter has mass cell tumors. If you notice that your dog has pale gums or they have collapsed, you will want to call your vet and get them to the emergency room for treatment as quickly as you can. histologic grade; mastocytosis; mitotic index; tyrosine kinase inhibitor. What did you find out? I need someone just to be real and tell be the truth no matter how ugly it is. Dear Kat, We can never be sure exactly what short-lived means, but generally it is weeks to months. I dont know how to make her more comfortable beyond what I am already down mm. These labs have special stains to better identify mast cells. He takes two pain pills in the morning and at night as well as Benadryl. Please share your dogs story or some words of encouragement below. Learn more aboutCancer Staging tests here. I fear its time and that she is uncomfortable, however, my husband thinks she may just need arthritis medicine. Dear Mary, He also has had a few recurring ear infections. This is especially the case with well-differentiated mast cell tumors. 2023 NC State University. A recent discovery in the treatment of mast cell tumors in dogs is Stelfonta. Torigen has to have the original mass to incorporate it into the injections. While some may be present for many months without growing much, others can appear suddenly and grow very quickly. With these tumors, the mast cells start releasing a high amount of chemicals into the body. Normal mast cells are a type of immune system cell. It is very informative. Toward the end of the month she had surgery to remove it. I was online seeing what I could find on the topic. If your dog does end up having a mast cell tumor, talk to your veterinarian about which treatments would be best. It is no surprise then that many vets call mast cell tumors the great pretenders.. My 12 year old daughter doesnt get it. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Does Benadryl help mast cell tumors in dogs? Taking to the platform, the creator known . He just told me over the phone. Epub 2014 Feb 10. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. My vet recommended I take him to a neurologist to make sure theres nothing neurologically wrong with him before they would consider treatment. Some tumors behave somewhat aggressively while others can be cured by surgery alone. I believe it is far more progressed than we think or he wants to believe. We are giving her a maximum dose of benedryl to help with the itching, however, she has multiple open tumor sores on her body from scratching and occasional degranulation where she is obviously very uncomfortable. It seems as though your dog may have a genetic predisposition to these tumors. Is his quality of life moving forward going to make the expenses and effort worth it? Based on the FNA, the vet can often identify the bricks as mast cells. There have been plenty of ups and downs, but ultimately, with such an aggressive form of cancer we feel fortunate to have gotten one more year with her. One today under his hear burst and bled profusely, with a flap of skin hanging down that reminded me of the JFK assassination film. Is your girl recovering smoothly? I hope his days are happy and he is surrounded by the ones who love him most. If the tests come back negative, your doctor will . Her liver and spleen looked normal on ultrasound and aspirates taken were clear. Mast cell tumors occur most frequently in the skin, but other sites include the liver, spleen, gastrointestinal tract and bone marrow. and I feel so guilty for putting her though such an intense surgery when this was clearly brewing in the background. He did really well, they managed the pain with a patch and he has learned to maneuver easily as a tripod, using his tail for balance. Am J Vet Res. After about two weeks, your dog should be able to resume normal activity once any stitches have been removed unless your vet tells you otherwise. When found, he was ematiated, dehydrated, had skin infection (weepy, crusty skin), double ear infections, numerous insect bites and had large areas of missing hair. The mast cell tumor is located where the skin and mucous membranes connect. Bless you both. mainly though i am wondering if this is even the right course to take considering she is 11, life span for her size is 12, and she has a great life now and i think that taking into consideration the fact that she is not seemingly in pain (on rimadyl now for knee issues) and reading so much about these tumors, also not knowing if it is the more serious kind, my gut says to allow her to live without the stress and recovery of the surgery and subsequent medication; for what, a few more months? I am sorry your pup has had so many issues with MCTs. Mast cell tumors (MCTs) are common in dogs, accounting for approximately 20 percent of all skin tumors in dogs. Privacy Policy | Return Policy | Shipping Terms When exposed to allergens (substances that stimulate allergies), mast cells release chemicals and compounds, a process called degranulation. Namely, c-Kit is a receptor found on the mast cells surfaces. Pulled muscles in dogs can occur due to lacerations, ruptures, or strains. That being said, she is still with us and still loves life. We were referred to an vet oncologist who followed a traditional path. FNA involves taking a small needle with a syringe and suctioning a sample of cells directly from the tumor and placing them on a microscope slide. She has been with us since. Is your senior girl healthy otherwise? The removal of the affected regional lymph nodes improves the treatment success. He was around a year old, not quite finished growing. Praying for you as well in this trying time. I am sorry you are facing these difficult decisions about your girls health and wellbeing. It can look like something as simple as an insect bite, a wart, an allergic reaction, or another less serious skin tumor. grade I, grade II, or grade III), or most commonly both. Mast cell tumors in dogs are masters of disguise and can sometimes have serious consequences for a dogs health. In lower-grade tumors with no evidence of spread, surgery is likely the best option. While some may be present for many months without growing much, others can appear suddenly and grow very quickly. We had cryo treatment done on it yesterday. We are a year out from diagnosis of a very aggressive grade III MCT on our golden retriever after we found what appeared to be a scab on her teat. One of the most important features of mast cells is that they produce histamine, which, in the right quantities, is essential for the dog's normal response of inflammation. Not all mast cell tumors in dogs are cancerous. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. Mast cell tumors (MCTs) are the most common malignant skin cancer in dogs, and significant variability exists in their biological behavior. I am sorry you are seeing Reeses health start to decline. 1 If your vet suspects a mast cell tumor, your dog may be treated first with diphenhydramine to minimize the histamine release. She got her surgery (we went right into surgery, no needle aspiration or biopsy because he was pretty sure of what it was) 1 1/2wks ago & we go back in just a few days for stitch removal so Im thinking hell tell me more then maybe & he told me hes going to show me how to check her lymph nodes & they may have to be removed. I took her to the vet immediately last week. sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal The drawbacks of radiation include its cost and the need for repeated sedation during the treatments. I am concerned that with the smell you are noticing it is probably due to tissue that is necrotic and deteriorating due to the nasty substances these tumors excrete. If that is in fact the case, it is likely you could see more pop up later in life. Our sweet Aussie was dx with MCT on her nose a little over 1yr of age. Like you, they are committed to helping provide your dog a good quality of life. I understand your concern for your senior girl with this scary diagnosis. I am curious to know if now that the size of the tumor has been so dramatically decreased if that makes your pup a better candidate for surgery? Give your sweet girl a hug for me. Hoping all is well and the surgery was successful. The Honest Kitchen Dog Food Reviewed: Pros, Cons, and Ingredient Analysis, CBD for Dog Anxiety: Top 11 Products According to a Veterinarian, The Best Probiotics For Dogs in 2022 According to a Veterinarian, The Best Cat Food for Indoor Cats: Our Top 7 Picks, CBD for Cat Anxiety: Our Top 5 Picks + Reviews, The Farmers Dog Food Reviewed: Pros, Cons, and Ingredient Analysis, Ollie Dog Food Reviewed: Pros, Cons, and Ingredient Analysis, Open Farm Cat Food Reviewed: Pros, Cons, and Ingredient Analysis, By Katelyn Son | Updated February 21, 2023. You are correct that the surgeon will probably take wide margins when removing the mass, but the recovery process should be smooth and quick as long as the mass is small. Contains organic full-spectrum hemp with naturally occurring CBD. biopsy) is the microscopic examination of all or part of the tumor tissue. 1990. She believes the third one is also a mct from what she saw. I think you made the right decision to have the lumps removed, even knowing what you do now. I dont know what else I should be doing for him, since I check him near daily for any new skins changes and am super diligent about getting him seen immediately. we are back to chicken and rice. Praying for a positive outcome! I flush them daily with saline solution and apply neosporin. But she is not herself so we know the end will be soon. Mast cell tumors vary in appearance. Tumors that arise primarily in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, or spleen carry a guarded prognosis and an aggressive clinical course is expected. The earlier the tumor is caught, the higher the survival rate. Just because you have Bucky evaluated by the specialist doesnt mean you have to put him through any additional procedures. This trauma causes the tumor cells to release the chemicals in their granules leading to a localized reaction. Mast cell tumors most commonly form nodules or masses in the skin, they can also affect other areas of the body, including the spleen, liver, intestine, and bone marrow. I applaud you for taking such an active role in advocating for your dogs health and wellbeing. I am sorry you are dealing with these frustrating and worrisome tumors on your senior guy. I whisked her straight to the hospital that was yesterday, they did an ultrasound and then a needle aspiration on her liver and spleen. I am trying to figure out cost of treatment vs. quality of life. We understand this is a difficult time and we are here to support you and your pet by providing the options and care necessary. Of course he became a foster fail. Finch is a sweet and energetic boy. As quality of life is imperative for our pets, doses are adjusted and your pet is monitored to limit severe side effects. 2022 Jul 12;6(13):4073-4084. doi: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021005045. The Vet suggested Torigen and as soon as we learned that it was a MCT ge advised we give Milo Benadryl and Pepcid. And they too can help you decide when to stop fighting mast cell tumors. He also was heartworm positive. He had a punch biopsy, so now it looks like his right ear is pierced (final path still pending). I hope you can find the advice you need to make a decision you can be comfortable with. My husband is supportive of whatever I decide. Surgery A surgical removal is a good option for a mast cell tumor that is localized to one spot and hasnt begun to spread. Dear Lisa, Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. This fills the shaft of the needle with tumor cells. Finch sounds like such a sweet boy. With clean margins, all the cancerous cells are contained within the tissue that was removed. using margins proportional to the tumor diameter, when it is time to say goodbye to your dog, Dog Memorial Ideas: 10 Ways to Honor Your Dogs Legacy, Preparing for Your Dogs Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace, Dog Hospice Care Can Bring Peace and Dignity to Your Dogs Final Days, Dog Euthanasia: Knowing When to Say Goodbye, Meclizine for Dogs: Solutions for Motion Sickness or Vertigo, Prostate Cancer in Dogs: Signs, Diagnosis, and Treatment, Raised above the skin or located under the skin, Smooth or ulcerated (i.e. How did the surgery go? For example, a dog can have a well-differentiated mast cell tumor and a poorly-differentiated mast cell tumor on different areas of the body. Dear Caroline, But for now we are celebrating and giving thanks for early detection, excellent vets and oncologists, and state of the art treatment made possible by Trupanion pet insurance. My pitbull terrier Ava is 11 y/o now and has had 5 surgeries to remove tumors on legs, head and belly. The site is secure. Some dogs with MCTs benefit from antihistamines. While these tumors are generally treatable if caught early, there are a few factors that make a dogs prognosis less favorable. Please keep a watchful eye over us and protect our dogs from this insidious disease. Is your dog suddenly wobbling or unwilling or unable to stand or walk? My dog is a 7 year old rescue. Yes, if it is caught and removed early. eCollection 2021. Tumors that fall higher in the grading system (either grade II or III) have a higher tendency to recur or metastasize. Do you recommend a diet which can support him through this process? Mast cell tumors are the most common form of skin cancer found in dogs. Additionally, mast cell tumors that occur internally, such as in the GI tract, liver, spleen, or bone marrow, carry a very poor prognosis. Bless you and sweet Bodie! Mast cell tumors vary in appearance. That one immediately said we needed to test for MCT. This will help grade the system. They are responsible for the allergic response. Hi Mary, This can occur spontaneously or with agitation of the tumor, which causes degranulation and subsequent swelling of the surrounding tissue. Is it possible or would you suggest chemo or radio therapy to get rid of it and , in your experience, can you have a (currently) non spreading low grade MCT and have a dog still lead a long life? My 3 year old Shih-Poo Milo was diagnosed with a mast cell tumor on his belly which was removed. He is lucky to have someone like you advocating for his health and wellbeing. Given that we now know there is an underlying genetic basis for MCT, drugs are being designed to specifically target the proteins associated with the development of cancer. 2008;6(7):11371145. it is a hard decision to make, im used to end of life for animals having had 3-5 dogs since age 19 and im now 52 but ive never had a dog with cancer. Well, the good news is that tumors in these dogs often tend to behave more benignly and are less likely to cause serious disease than in other breeds. We had one surgery to remove a few that we could see, but decided after that we would not put her through another surgery. Grade IIintermediately differentiated tumors. Histopathology (i.e. The vet got good margins but her tumor was a grade 3. Or the tumor location may be such that surgery isnt possible. They can let you know if surgery is the best option or if other treatments should be explored. What a blessing you were able to catch it early and have it removed. Most MCTs are easily diagnosed with fine needle aspiration (FNA). What a blessing to still have her by your side after 14 years of love and devotion. It is never a bad idea to talk to your vet about palliative care should you decide to forgo testing and just focus on making your pup comfortable. The main reason why mast cell tumors are so frequently found in dogs is that these tumors can grow from just about anywhere on your dog's body. Is it a slow decreased eating, lethargy, weak process or is he going to pass away suddenly? The prognosis for skin mast cell tumors is variable and depends on the grade, extent of disease (stage), as well as the ability to achieve adequate local control of the primary tumor. When the previous MCT was removed, did the pathologists report say if there were clean margins? Unfortunately, since I havent examined your dog myself, I cant make specific recommendations about how to proceed with treatment. For most tumors, regardless of grade, additional therapy is recommended if the initial surgery was unsuccessful in removing the entire tumor. I truly dont think there is a right or wrong choice in this instance. When the tumor grade is higher, recovery might take more time or involve additional treatments. Wow! As lesions, mast cell tumors are more invasive than they seem and require aggressive surgical removal. The latest holistic cancer treatment option is CBD (cannabidiol) oil. Mast Cell Mast cell tumors are malignant tumors that occur in the mast cells in a dog's skin. 5th ed. , high-grade tumors (per the Kiupel grading system) have a fatality rate of 61%. Daily Benadryl?. My vet advised that sub-cut was at the lower end of low grade which Im thankful for but the location is too tricky surgically on upper front limb. . But as a young dog, he has a lifetime of medical costs associated with such an early diagnosis of MCC. hoewever, she is a big girl, a bit overweight and deals with heavy breathing in sleep and although surgeon said nothing about adverse risks of general anesthesia, i do worry about that. Marissa Taffer, Medically reviewed by Dr. Michelle Diener, Everything we create is factually accurate and biased toward science meet our team of experts. Is only 5 and she has a few sores on her..shes always had allegies so our vet just kept giving us treatments for that. Since she has had so many MCTs, it seems likely that this could be a genetic issue. Analysis of risk factors for canine mast cell tumors based on the Kiupel and Patnaik grading system among dogs with skin tumors. Yesterday we went in for his regular check-up and scans, and his oncologist pronounced him CURED of mast cell cancer. Mast cell tumors (MCT) are the most common skin. He also gets cortisone shots as needed for skin inflammation. In order to use histopathology to confirm the tumor is a mast cell tumor and grade the tumor, the veterinary pathologist needs part or all of the tumor. How is Gracie feeling? An ultrasound or CT scan may be required to visualize the mass. Histopathology, but not cytology (i.e. What did the FNA reveal? One well-known mutation is to a protein called KIT that is involved in the replication and division of cells.