On Sunday, February 8, 2015 at 9:50:04 PM UTC+11, buglady wrote:
On 2/8/2015 4:00 AM, Jacqui Watz wrote:

I've noticed the spots on Harley's nose and I'm aware of a small one on his temple too. I'll be making sure the vet looks at them, not just his ears. The vet clinic I've decided to go to has a chemotherapy clinic and 2 oncology specialists, which was definitely a factor in choosing them.

..........Whether melanoma or sarcoma, treatment of choice is surgery,
not chemo.
http://www.merckmanuals.com/pethealt...n_in_cats.html

.........You need a definitive diagnosis and then you need to research.

..........When I had a cat with nasal lymphoma the specialty vet told me
that chemo could make it disappear.....3-5 thousand dollars. I thought,
gosh, how could I NOT do that? Then another vet explained, yes, it
kills it off, but only if you keep giving chemo, because it keeps coming
back.

......So, do your homework.

buglady
take out the dog before replying

I didn't mention the chemo because I thought Harley would need it, I'm aware from my own research that the best course of action is usually surgery. I mentioned the fact that the clinic did chemo as part of the reason I was impressed with them as it's not something the majority of vets do. The fact that they have cancer specialists on hand is just something I found reassuring.
I'm sorry I wasn't clearer.
I have done some research. The operations to remove the affected ear tissue seems to be quite straightforward, but the question is will surgery be enough or has it spread other places. I'm expecting the vet to do a fair amount of pathology, a biopsy as well as the visual exam when we see him wednesday morning. I'll have more details on the extent of it then hopefully, along with his recommendations. I just don't know specifics until then, unfortunately.
When I have that news I'll be posting another update for those who are following along.
Jac