Malignant melanoma heartbreak

Dear Vets. I received the devastating news that my loyal friend and companion labrador (9 year old Pippin) has a melanoma at the back of her mouth. Histology came back with the worst news that it is malignant and a very aggressive form. We do not know the extent of spread. My vet excised as much as she coukd but said it was in a difficult area and she said it was spreading. She said we could get a referral to a specialist oncologist but the Outlook is not good with radiotherapy. I've seen there is a melanoma vaccine for dogs called Oncept. For advanced cases does anyone know if it may be an option? I am not putting our hopes up, plus I fear it would be unaffordable and in the 1000s if not almost £10,000 for a course. My vets advice was... just spoil her and make her last days great. I don't want her to suffer . Thanks so much   liza

Dear Liza. I am truely sorry to hear about Pippin's tumour.   This must be an awful time for you.  Usually, when we get bad news, out initial phase is a numb shock.  Often this is followed by a 'bargaining' phase, where we try to gather information, negotiate, find a way for it not to be true, or bring the outcome closer towards what we wanted.  This is normal and we may go through this state, or return to it, several times as our deeper brains try to process what is happening.  Research (objective, sensible research) is often a helpful thing at this time and you sound as though you are doing yours well. Malignant Melanoma is a cruel disease.  There are some treatments available but as you say, these lengthen life.   If you look on Willows  veterinary Referrals website (an example of a centre who perform this type of treatment), there is a very informative page about vaccine therapy, one of the available options.  I am not affiliated with these vets and have little experience with them;  I just happen to know that their website has this resource.  The site may also detail the cost.  It sounds as though your vet has already suggested this or similar centres. Being offered such treatments at the prices they are, can feel cruel as they have no guarantee as to length of life.  For some people, saying 'actually that's not right for us' can throw up feelings too, because our pets' life is involved;  people can experience feelings such as guilt or inadequacy. The only thing I can truely add to the research you have done, is to say that you are not inadequate because you cannot remove this tumour from your pet; it is considered probable that nobody can, even with unlimited resources.  It is definitely okay to decide not to go for referral.  I think you know this because you have explained your decision well but our brains can play tricks on us so I thought I'd say it again.  What really shines through is how much you love Pippin, even as you think through the objective issues.  Referral is life lengthening but not life saving and even in the NHS, where cost is not an option, humans decline chemotherapy for themselves every day. I obviously know insufficient about the medical case to give a second opinion about that.  You'd have to get one formally.  However, your vet sounds to be an objective, kind and sensible.   I'm afraid I don't thinki know anything that your vet doesn't. I'm sorry that you find yourself in this position and all the best to you for the coming weeks.  We would love to hear how things go on, if you feel like telling us.