14 yr old lab, surgery or euthanize?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

I think euthanize. My dog is around that age and she also has a tumor in her belly. She soon developed a problem with her bladder so she can't control when she pees and im sure theres more to come. To be honest your dog may not last much longer unless they are really healthy but otherwise you should put them down.

I would say euthanize. Sounds like he has lived a long happy life! And that is what's important. As sad as it is, it's better to put them down while they are still happy and not in too much pain. When they are euthanized they go peacefully. Plus, because of his age you never know how well he would recover after his surgery. Good luck to you!

Maybe talk to different vets and see what other prices are or if your Labrador really even needs it. It's all a matter of opinion but if it were my dog and I had the money or didn't mind spending the money I would lay down a grand for my dog no problem

Take her to another vet. If she looks like in pain euthanize. If not, surgery.

You will know, when you feel his quality of life is no more. It will be a peaceful process. Just hold him and talk to him as he falls asleep. Let him know that you love him very much. Please do not feel guilty. You are doing what is best for your baby boy and don't want him to suffer. We never want to say good-bye to our beloved pets, but they put their trust in us to do the right thing. I lost my son Tobie to kidney disease last year on Valentines Day. He was my heart. He was 11 yrs. and 8 mos. old. He was diagnosed on Jan. 17, 2012. The vets prognosis was 1-3 mos. He lasted 27 days. He cried in my arms the night before and the next morning he fell down trying to pee. That when I knew it was time. It was the hardest decision I ever had to make. I did it for Tobie, and he is no longer in pain. I love and miss him so very much but I know I will see him again at a place called "Rainbow Bridge". As will you. I am so sorry for what you are going through. Just remember and cherish the memories that you shared together. They will never ever fade and will always keep you strong. My prayers are with you always.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author Unknown