Mast Cell Tumor Surgery

Question
Hi!  My yellow lab had surgery this past Friday for a mast cell tumor which was removed with great margins.  What are the symptoms that the dog may have after surgery?  Is it common for the dog to swell up and get a really high temp. of 106.1 3 days after surgery?  Is he going to be ok?  I just left him at the vets office because his temp was too high for me to take him home in case he collapsed. They told me not to worry because I was in tears and could not remember all the questions I needed to ask.  Please tell me he will be ok.  That this is normal.  He's just a baby in my eyes.  Thank you for your time!!!  Jeanie

Answer
Jeanie,

I'm glad too hear that your veterinarian was able to get good margins on the mast cell tumor removal.  

I dont know exactly why your dog's temperature would get that high after surgery but some of the reasons are malignant hyperthermia (usually due to an anesthesia reaction), or possibly aspiration pneumonia.  I'm hoping it is the former because time will take care of that one.  Aspiration pneumonia is difficult to treat and can be deadly.

Hopefully he is doing fine now.