My old dog-too old for surgery????

[Kristy]

Hi,

I would like anyone's opinion.

About 4 years ago my dog had a fibroid in her shoulder taken out and after the Vet said if anymore grow don't worry about it just leave it. So, the other day I was washing Pepper (she's 15 years old) and felt another lump on the side of her butt. i took her to the Vet and he said to just leave it because she's old. I kept asking how would I know if it's cancerous or not, he couldn't tell me. He said the only way is to have surgery. And he said by the time it affects her body it will be too late. My question is, should I take her to have surgery to take it out since she still is a healthy dog? And that way if it IS cancerous or turns into cancer it will be out already. Or should I just leave it? I don't want to leave it if she's going to die from it and i'll be thinking that I could've prevented it a long time ago. The Vet also told me she has 1 or 2 years left. What?! Why would he tell methat?!!! Pepper is so healthy for being 15 years old, way better than a lot of other 15 year old dogs. I've had her for more then half my life, I can't think of her not being around anymore without tearing up.

Please help, what should I do? Get a second opinion?

Thank you in advanced,

Kristy

[AussiesCollies]

It definitely sounds to me like you should get a 2nd opinion. If she's healthy and doesn't have any other problems, then I don't see why she shouldn't have the lump removed or at least have it tested for cancerous cells. That's just my opinion though.

[Trace]

Deffo get a 2nd opinion.

[RoughCollies]

I would get a second opinion as well, however, you have to keep in mind that even a very healthy 15 year old dog may not react to surgery. Ask your vet to refer you to a specialist who can better determine if it is worth doing the surgery. A specialist who works with cancer in dogs everyday would know better than a regular vet.

Also, keep in mind that there can never be an honest guess at how long a dog will live. I had an extremely healthy 1 year old collie who died suddenly on her birthday. She was in top shape. Ate a good food, got daily excersice, seemed perfect, then suddenly her heart gave out. I think that since your dog is very healthy for her age, she may still have a few good years left, but please I ask you to be realistic about it. I thought I would have my Piper forever, but when she died my heart broke. I was lost without her because I had it set in my mind that my dog would live to be as old as the first Lassie (18). Knowing that you have given her a long, healthy, loving life is what you should focus on. Then, just keep her on a good diet, some exercise, and happy for as long as you can.

Good Luck at the vets. I hope the best for you!