Our 14 yr old lab needs to have a tumor in his belly removed.
Vet Doc said it wasn't that invasive and quoted just under $1000.
Can't tell if vet is trying to squeeze out as much $$ as he can from us, or if he truly cares about our dog & wants to help.
Surgery or euthanize?
What would you do??
He walks a little funny. Can't tell if tumor is painful, or just in the way. Labs are notorious for hiding pain.
☆ Memphis Belle ☆
Favorite Answer
If the tumor is not getting in the way of the dog being an active part of the family and enjoying a quality to his life, then a third option may be a second opinion to discuss the pros and cons of surgery over palliative care and medication to manage any discomfort.
Has the vet considered removing a cross section of the tumor under sedation or fine needle aspirate to remove cells and send for histopathology?
If the tumor is not malignant, perhaps better to leave as he is and enjoy the time left with him, while you still have it?
Sara
Most vets are not just out to get your money. If they said that surgery was a viable option, it most likely is. If the vet you're using has been the vet that's treated your dog for years, I would trust that opinion.
You're always welcome to get a second opinion, and sometimes that can help. If two vets say the surgery would be a good option, I would go for it, if you can afford it.
If your dog is in good health (besides the tumor) and doesn't have a chronic condition (like heart problems or an immune system disorder), surgery can give them a few more years. When I was a tech, we performed surgery on older animals fairly often. The procedures and medications have come a long way, and the animals handle surgery better. I would make sure a good blood work panel was done before hand, just to make sure there aren't any other underlying issues, and I would discuss after care and follow up with the doctor before hand, so you know about what you're getting into.
Most vets don't spend years in medical school and acquire a ton of debt just to get money. There are so many easier ways to make money. Anyone who works in that field for more than two years does it because they love their job and genuinely want to keep your pet healthy and happy. It's not always cheap, but they usually have your animal's health as their top priority. If you ever feel they don't, it's your choice to have a second opinion done.
Hope this helps, and I hope your dog recovers.
Emily
That isn't too bad for an invasive surgery pricing.
However, I am surprised that the vet suggested that. None of my vets would ever suggest an invasive surgery on a 14 year old large dog. The recovery is way too harsh on them. Converting human to dog years, that is like opening up the abdomen of a 98 year old person to remove a growth. Chances are they will be going soon anyways (as horrible as that sounds) and the recovery from surgery will likely kill them. Just let your dog be happy for the time he has left. If he is clearly in pain he will let you know. Older labs are less secretive about it, and will tell you when it's time. If he is just walking funny, without any clear signs that he is ready, then let him just live out the rest of his days. Recovery from any surgery at that age has a VERY high chance of killing him. He will tell you when he is ready to go, then you can take him in to have him euthanized.
You Need Me!
That's always the tough one, isn't it. I'm not emotionally attached, so it's easy for me to say that at 14, he will have a very rough time recovering. Especially if it's part of the digestive system. He will probably not want to eat and that will make the recovery even more difficult. I was in this situation but the tumor was aggressive and in the leg. The recover would have made the end time no better. Probably worse, because without the surgery she was at least walking even though the one leg didn't keep pace. Recovery would have meant no walking at all. So the vet & I decided to put the dog on steroids and a bunch of other supplements. I took her home and gave her the best of everything for the next 2 months. If she wanted to eat steak, I gave her steak. If she wanted to stay out longer, we stayed out longer. Sleep on the bed? Sure. Then when all the medicines stopped working, and her quality of life left once again, it was time. I held her while they put her to sleep and knew that she had a great 12 years with us and she knew she was loved and we did everything we could without making her suffer.
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If you are unsure about your vet, find another and get a second opinion. If the surgery is truly a minor surgery and both vets think your dog can handle it then I would go for it if your dog is otherwise healthy.
If not, I would euthanize. Unfortunately it is sometimes a decision we have to make. We chose to euthanize our Dobe girl last year rather than operate on her. She was old and her body was beginning to fail her. The vet did not think she was likely to recover.