+ Kelly’s Battle with Tracheal Mast Cell Tumour – A Story of Resilience and Recovery
Kelly, a 14-year-old bull Arab cross, is no ordinary dog. Her story is one of resilience, medical innovation, and the bond between a pet and their family. In September 2024, Kelly’s loving family noticed something worrying—she had started coughing. What seemed like a simple issue soon revealed a much more serious health challenge.
Her wonderful primary care veterinarian at City Vet Waterford quickly took action, performing thoracic radiographs that uncovered a soft-tissue mass in Kelly’s cranial thorax interfering with the internal diameter of her trachea. This prompted a referral to the veterinary specialists at VSS, where further imaging confirmed the presence of a mass in her cranial mediastinum, which was displacing her trachea to the right and compromising the lumen. Though her baseline bloodwork appeared normal, additional tests were necessary to get a clearer picture.
A thoracic CT scan soon revealed more details about the mass. It was located on the ventral wall of Kelly’s trachea, just above the thoracic inlet, and it extended into the lumen of the trachea, measuring 4.2 x 2 cm. There was also an enlarged lymph node nearby. The diagnosis? A tracheal Mast Cell Tumour (MCT), a rare and complex condition that occurs when mast cells—part of the immune system—grow uncontrollably. MCTs are relatively common in dogs but can be difficult to treat, particularly when located in challenging areas, like Kelly’s trachea.
CT Scan Before Radiation Therapy
CT Scan After Radiation Therapy
What made Kelly’s case especially unusual was the location of the tumour. Mast cell tumours are typically found on the skin or in the spleen, but a tracheal MCT is extremely rare. Even more challenging was that Kelly’s tumour was non-resectable, meaning surgery couldn’t be performed to remove it. Instead, Kelly’s journey shifted towards radiation therapy so she was referred to the radiation therapy team at BVSC.
A second CT scan, taken for radiation planning called a simulation CT, showed that Kelly’s primary mass had increased in size by about 1 cm in just a few weeks, along with the growth of the adjacent lymph node. The situation was urgent, but Kelly’s team of vets, specialists, nurses and radiation therapists was determined to provide the best possible care.
Kelly began a treatment plan that involved three consecutive daily fractions of stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) targeting the tracheal MCT and the presumed metastatic lymph nodes. Stereotactic radiation is a precise and advanced method of delivering radiation directly to the tumour, minimising damage to surrounding tissues. Kelly tolerated the treatment incredibly well, experiencing only minimal side effects.
Following the radiation therapy, Kelly’s treatment continued with a course of chemotherapy at VSS to ensure that any remaining cancer cells were targeted. The goal was clear: to give Kelly the best chance at remission and recovery.
On January 15, 2025, a restaging CT scan was performed to assess Kelly’s progress. The results were a testament to the effectiveness of her treatment—virtually complete remission of the mass. The tumour had virtually disappeared, and Kelly was back to her normal self, with no lasting side effects from the treatment. Her family couldn’t have been happier, knowing that their beloved dog was not only surviving but thriving.
Kelly’s case is a powerful reminder of the amazing strides in veterinary medicine, especially in the treatment of difficult conditions like mast cell tumours. While MCTs can be a challenging diagnosis, with the right care and advanced treatments like stereotactic radiation and chemotherapy, there is always hope for a positive outcome—even in the most complex cases.
Today, Kelly is back to her usual activities, living her life to the fullest, and her family is grateful for the care she received from the dedicated veterinary team at City Vet Waterford, VSS and BVSC. Her story offers hope to other families facing similar challenges and highlights the importance of seeking specialist care when faced with complex health issues.
+ Mast Cell Tumours in Dogs: What You Should Know
Mast cell tumours are one of the most common types of skin tumours in dogs, but they can also occur internally, as in Kelly’s case. These tumours arise from mast cells, which play a role in the body’s immune response, particularly in allergic reactions. While the cause of mast cell tumours is still not fully understood, they are more commonly seen in older dogs, particularly certain breeds.
The prognosis for dogs with MCTs depends on a variety of factors, such as the tumour’s location, size, histological grade, growth rate and whether it has spread. Treatment options typically involve surgery, and sometimes chemotherapy, radiation or all three. In cases like Kelly’s, where surgery is not an option, radiation therapy and chemotherapy can offer promising results.
Kelly’s case is an inspiring example of how the comprehensive cancer treatment approach we promote at BVSC is able to achieve success in even the most complex cases, providing pets with the best possible chance at recovery and an excellent quality of life for as long as possible. It’s a testament to the importance of early detection and the power of advanced veterinary treatments.
If you notice any unusual symptoms in your pet, such as coughing, lumps, or changes in behaviour, don’t hesitate to consult your vet. Early diagnosis can make all the difference, just like it did for Kelly.
