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1st: I'm new today to this board / site and am unsure how to post other than through the "reply" option. Perhaps (?) my post herein is oral malignant melanoma related. Perhaps I should be posting a new thread.

2nd: What follows is a ton of personal sharing that I feel is relevant; however, my specific questions exist at the very end of this post and are numbered: 1, 2, 3.

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I'm very scared and feel extremely guilty: I'd been away for almost 2 months and returned to notice a black spot way on the back of our Lakota's tongue. It was difficult to see and I only noticed it when she yawned and I was on the floor with her. I thought she had a wad of black hair in her mouth which I couldn't fish out. I didn't open her mouth for further inspection. I had been told that her black roof of mouth was an indicator of intelligence. My comment to self and Lakota: "I don't remember you having a black spot on the back of your tongue as well-- perhaps you're growing ever smarter!" [As I'm growing ever dumber.]

That was a month and a half ago. Just today: More black spots, presenting further towards opening of mouth. Still on tongue. Larger spots, perhaps 3 now. I'm in such denial I only opened her jaw briefly until she had had enough of my effort. I didn't push for a further examination (which I'll do soon enough.)

She is a 33 month 1/2 Newfoundland 1/2 Golden Retriever (an "accident" from a breeder who breeds both). She presents as a very sensitive gal. We often call her "sad eyes". We have 2 other dogs and she seems to choose to be 3rd in spite of any of our concerted efforts to allow her to "go" first (food, treats, out the door, in the door, into the vehicle etc.). The others afford her absolute respect (no 'picking' on her as a seemingly 'bottom of the pecking order' individual). I share this temperament info b/c she has a particular bond to me and I'm wondering whether me being away for 2 months may have increased her stress. I know that this is the least of the issues (my guilt for having left her) and I need to determine the next steps (obviously).

Other stressors may include: (1.) that our dogs have rarely been alone for more than 8 hours ever (I'm a stay at home doggie / kitty / other pets mom). So my being away resulted in the first period of time that they were alone all day long for so long. (2.) Lakota situates herself as the intervention dog btwn our other 2 dogs: [(one is 9 year old male Tibetian Mastif rescued and into our home when Lakota was only 11 months old. Buddy we rescued after having had a terrible life of neglect and abuse. He was aggressive towards people and animals. Would not tolerate touch etc. Has come an awful far way with medical / nutritional / behavioral etc. care.) (the other dog: Indio-- from the litter after Lakota's... another "accident" between the male Newfie and the female Golden. She's nearly two years old and is more Newfie than Golden whereas Lakota is more Golden than Newfie. Indio is about 20 # heavier than Lakota and about 20 # lighter than Buddy Bear.)] When Lakota first came home to us she had her very sweet / gentle Sierra as an "auntie"... Sierra died only 2 weeks before we took Buddy home. We got Indio about two months after we put Sierra down. The work I had been doing with Lakota ended prematurely (training wise) as we grew in numbers. It was shortly after this time that Lakota seemed to become 'sad eyes' ... which are probably more like 'anxious' eyes. Afterall, she only had 2 weeks without her dear Sierra when Buddy joined us and only 2 months after Sierra was gone before we had our new puppy. Lakota was just a puppy herself still.

Buddy has needed so much attention; I never really did a very good job with Indio in terms of training. Often Indio just mimics what Lakota does (sit / down etc.); but only when she's calm. Indio regularly antagonizes Buddy Bear (trying to lick his lips / trying to roll over to submit to him / running - jumping after him as he is fiercely growling / barking over the top of her & / or trying to ignore her via escape. Often Lakota intervenes by trying to engage Indio in chase / play.

[[...since I'm tell our entire story... Buddy Bear was the dog owned by the fellow who suicided post having killed the mother and husband of the Chicago judge, two Springs ago. My partner is an animal advocate and is passionate about her hopes to establish some sort of rescue / sanctuary at some point. After we had to put down Sierra- 16 y/o Newfie-Lab mix-rescue, we were moved to invite Buddy home. Then when the breeder notified us that there had been a second "accidental" litter, we really debated. Indio was the only one of 11 who had a white star-chest / white goatie... Sierra similarly wore these uniquely Newfie features. Not knowing how long Buddy would be with us-- so many health problems... we were further moved to invite Indio home. Note: both Lakota and Indio we consider rescues as we paid nothing and as they were to have been "destroyed" as recommended by the breeder's vet (!). As a last note in our story... Some would / have said that we don't have 'any business' having 3 dogs as our budget is so very extended. I do have access to low-income clinic services though as I am living with a disability. We do feed Innvova and obtain standard vet care.]]


In terms of history / current illnesses: Lakota has poorly managed, chronic ear infections. When she was about 11 months, she contracted canine [papanova (butchered spelling)] virus (viral oral warts somehow associated with-but not contracted from- the human genital warts virus) from the doggie beach. The warts occurred on the outer 'flaps' of her lips (about 4-5) and lower jaw outer gum area and were gone within 5 weeks. Have not reoccurred. Mild plaque on teeth. Prone to red lower eyes (I believe due to her droopy Newfie eyes) resolved immediately with artificial tear drops. All other systems currently and historically (to the best of my knowledge) medically clear. She was spaded at 5 months and has had all standard inoculations as well as the 'kennel cough' vaccine. Oh, she did have a bout of ticks. I removed about 38 of them in a one week period about a year ago. Am satisfied we got them all. She did not have the Lyme's disease inoculation; although we've since considered it, but not yet innoculated. We have not been back to the wooded area in which she contracted these pests. No fever / lethargy post infestation.

All of this to say: I'm scared, panicked, feeling guilty and understandably upset; and am wanting of course, to do the very, very best for Lakota (and everybody else.)

I've been searching / collecting book marks all afternoon and upon arriving to the Canines in Crisis site, have felt an immediate sense of hope for support / info. My goal in posting is to tap into all of the experience, strength, hope, knowledge, abilities and skills of each of you. I have read the archived posts within this cancer category that seem to relate to oral cancers.

I know that I don't even have a diagnosis yet. I know that I might not have anything to worry about and that I need next to consult with a good vet to proceed further. I also acknowledge that this board does not necessarily offer professional veterinary advice.

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[1.] My first question: What is the best pet insurance out there given our particular household composition and current potential medical problems with Lakota? I've attempted, in a leisurely fashion, to investigate this; however have each time become weary as I seem to be comparing apples to oranges. Do I get insurance for Lakota first (I would think so, pre-existing health conditions etc.) We have a handful of indoor cats and a couple of TrapNeuterRelease cats for whom we care. Am I best to get coverage for everybody at once or to hurry up and get Lakota covered? Ideally, we'll have everybody covered eventually. Finances are truly an issue for us. If I could eliminate this wretched search and compare decision, instead, at this time relying (happily) upon some collective wisdom, I'd be oh so very relieved. Alas this has been a task I've put off now for way too long... arriving now at a potential time of medical crisis... am not pleased with my avoidance-prone decision making.


[2.] My second question: Does there exist a source to assist me in what else I might be monitoring / looking at? I'd like to see actual examples (not microscopic) of oral melanomas in various stages. I understand that size, shape, boarders, color are factors and that each / all of these may or may not even be diagnostic in our case. She has no drooling nor any lack of appetite.


[3.] My third question (probably premature / yet preparatory): I've read that the U of W at Madison premiers in oral canine cancer research. Due to the progressive nature of this disease, ought I begin to reach out to friends who know friends / family who might have available temporary housing for Lakota and me?


My fourth question: Have I alienated y'all by this novel-length submission of a post? I won't be able to talk with my partner until 11:30 tonight and although I enjoy a supportive circle of friends, none (!) are 'dog-people'. Thanks for reading. And thanks for being dog-people. Wendy.