Neck mass?

[Ann in NH]

Vet installed a drain but over the course of ten days it didn't drain much. When we took him back to have the stitches removed last week, we elected to have it biopsied. The pathology report came back today: thymoma. Vet says it's the third most common type of tumor in goats (9-10% of all tumors) and they are common in dogs, especially in the chest. A chest x-ray could show if it extends into his chest. If so, it's commonly malignant. If not, it's more likely benign and prognosis following surgical removal is better. Surgery would have be done at Tufts Veterinary Surgical Hospital or UPenn. It's not something he can do at his clinic. Meanwhile, I suspect the tumor is pressing on Cary's esophagus as his feed consumption is way down and he's starting to visibly lose weight. I'm doing what I can to keep him interested in food (he's liking hay more than pellets) and his spirits are good. That said, he's 11 years old and I'm not sure how much more stress I want to put him through. If anyone has experience with thymomas in goats, I would like to hear you ASAP. TIA Ann in NH