The outcome of an MCT diagnosis will vary greatly depending on the grade it is, where it is, and if it has spread
Your vet will need to do tests before they can give you the answer to this question
It might not be possible until after your dog has had surgery and some treatment too
This can be frustrating and worrying for pet parents, but please be assured that your vet wants to do the best they can for your canine pal
Many dogs with MCTs go on to have a good quality of life following treatment
There are lots of options, and your vet will work with you to find the best one for you and your dog
The potential outcome following an MCT diagnosis does unfortunately vary depending on the grade and location of the mass and whether there is evidence of spread elsewhere in the body.
Low grade MCTs often have good outcomes with surgery alone whereas a higher grade tumour may require multiple types of treatment to try to keep the cancer at bay or to slow down the spread.
How long can I expect my dog to live with an MCT?
With MCTs this is the one question we can’t really answer until we have all of the information. We understand that this is not always what you want to hear, but each individual case is just that, entirely unique.
What we can say, is that between 11 and 35% of all MCTs are high grade. Without treatment, we see a life expectancy of less than a year, and with higher grade cancers this can be as little as 4 months. Studies have shown that over 50% of high grade MCT will spread elsewhere. With treatment, especially if a multi-modal approach is taken, survival times are often at least 1-2 years. We do have to consider possible side effects of such treatment, but often quality of life is much improved too.
Working with your vet, the aim is to discuss the options and find a way forward that provides the best outcome for your dog, and for you.
The vets at MyDogDoc know just how worrying a diagnosis of cancer can be, and we’re here to offer an understanding ear and support to you and your pet whenever you need us.
