Send Pino a poems or soothing thought and I will post them on the stall wall when Pino has surgery. You can put them in the message on this post if you like.
The good news is it is not cancer. The bad news is it is a sarcoid which means it will most likely be an ongoing issue-but sarcoids are not malignant. I am relieved, but also bummed at the same time–thinking of the difficulties we might face and discomfort for him in future bouts. The vet and I agreed we will proceed with surgery on this one, it must come off, but with each case that arises there are many variables to look at before deciding which path to take. There is a cream I can rub on them-it stings and is basically like the skin cancer treatment I did on my own skin.
We will go forward in Pino spirit! No complaining, tail swishing in play not fear, and get on with what must be done now!
We will have the growth removed here at the farm. I opted for this as it would have meant a night alone in a stall in a strange place and since Pino has never left the farm, I just felt with this kind of surgery it will be okay. He was...her...castrated here and I just felt better it be done here if the vet was on board, which she is.
Paco, the resident worrier, asked me to paint "right" and "left" on Pino's feet. I explained that I was sure the vet will not accidentally cut off Pino's feet instead of the growth.
There are options for treating future growths, but all are expensive and really the results aren't great [then again surgery to remove each growth is about $300-500]. Everyone has their opinions on this and people with one or two animals are going to look at their options differently than a farmer. Having said that, Pino is in good hands-my role is to do what is best for him-and that does not necessarily mean treating him the same way someone else would. Money buys a lot of things, but to my knowledge it still doesn't buy a cure all for sarcoids, and it often adds the ability for someone to opt to put the animal up for days in a clinic.
So please know I have many good vets, including Pino's former owner who is a retired vet and friend and very knowledgeable. So send your love and healing to Pino, but he is not seeking vet advice at this time–although Paco might entertain it.
Thanks to everyone who thought positive vibes for our Pino!
