Mast cell tumors are a type of cancer that can cause systemic problems. If the tumor spreads widely the goal of treatment is all about maintaining quality of life. However, if the tumor is found early when it's small and hasn't spread the prognosis is good.

Treen was lucky. I found the lump one day while we were laying in front of the fire. It just so happened to be a few weeks before a scheduled vet appointment. Our vet, Dr. Bennett of Beaver Lake Animal Hospital, took a simple biopsy and diagnosed the tumor. The surgery left her with a six inch incision and a cone of shame. It was four weeks before she was cleared to hike again.

Mt. Margaret was a perfect return for Treen. It's short and on good trail almost all the way to the summit. When I have taken four weeks off it takes a few hikes before I'm back to where I was before I stopped. Not so for Treen. She was perfectly at home on the trail and making me look bad as usual. The only indication anything had happened was the still-pink scar on her leg.

Treen's fur has all grown back and I'm guessing she has no recollection of her surgery or recovery. I do an "inspection" about once a month. She thinks she's getting a massage, but I'm looking for more lumps. Since she's had one lump she's a higher risk she'll develop another. With luck she'll never have another, but if she does we'll find it before it can spread.

More info can be found at this page published by the Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania: https://www.vet.upenn.edu/docs/default-source/ryan/oncology-handouts/final-canine-mct.pdf