Yikes!!!! The Vet wants about $2K to remove 2 fatty tumors on 6 yr old dog. Does it need to be done?

Answer 1

If they have been biopsied and found to be nothing but fatty tumors, no. They may not be attractive, but they won't harm your dog unless they are in an area that is prone to injury if something catches on the tumor, like under the collar. Mine 9 year old Italian Greyhound has a nickel-sized one on her chest, and it has been biopsied and found to be benign. Our vet (who is awesome) recommended we NOT remove it, because he thinks at this point it is basically cosmetic surgery and not worth the expense to us or stress to our dog. We agreed and it doesn't bother her at all, but we will of course keep an eye on it and have him check it regularly.

Answer 2

No, not unless they interfer with the health of your dog or make him uncomfortable.

Of course, it's best to ask your vet (get a 2nd opinion from a vet if you desire) because they are able to tell you what's best for your dogs condition.

What some people don't understand is that a fatty tumor is not attached to anything but tissue. If you were to manipulate the tumor you would feel that it's pretty much loose under the skin... however, if it is attached deep into the body then it will need to be removed and biopsied.

My dogs have had them and only one had to be removed (under the tail... ick). My current dog is 12 and has had one since she was 7 or 8.

Of course, if you choose not to have it removed keep a close eye on it for any changes. Make it a habit to daily groom and check your dog over for any abnormalities or parasites.

Answer 3

My cocker had them. The vet told me they didn't need to be removed, but I had it done anyway. Others replaced those removed though. I've since had to have him put to sleep because his heart was enlarged to the point it was pressing on his trachea and cutting off his airway, plus malignant tumors had formed in and around his heart.

What kind of diet is your dog on? It's a long story with me on why I came to change my late dog's diet to that which my current puppy is on, but I'd suggest you do a search on BARF (commonly known as Bones And Raw Food). There's a lot of information out there on why NOT to feed your animal dry food from companies like Science Diet, Purina, Ralston, etc. Once you read what your dog (or cat) has been eating it will make you sick. It also makes your animal sick, and can cause those fatty tumors you mentioned.

Another reference suggestion would be your library. A highly respected source is Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide To Natural Health For Dogs & Cats.

If you don't want to go the raw route, try Merrick or other companies that offer NATURAL food.

Good luck to you on whatever you decide.

PS: Check with other vets regarding cost if you opt to have the tumors removed. I've come to find they're all over the scale, and it sounds like yours must be at the top of it!

Answer 4

That is way too expensive. I had a large tumor removed from my elderly male German Shepherd, with IV during surgery which costs extra, and the total price was $650. Yes, it needs to be done because any tumor is making a dog uncomfortable and they will keep getting bigger and more uncomfortable. Better to get it done now, as the surgery will be easier on your dog before they are bigger. Maybe you can call your local ASPCA for a referral to a less expensive vet. Vet prices vary a lot. This $2K price is just way out of line for this kind of surgery.

Answer 5

It isn't worth paying $2k for a dog unless you have lassie. If the dog isn't suffering then just go without it, but if the dog is suffering, put the dog down. If you really love your dog that's what you would do (unless you happen to be extremely rich and throw money around anyway). You can put the dog down in basically two ways that are acceptable. You can have the vet do it or you can do what they did to old yeller and shoot it. Only do the second option if you won't miss, you shouldn't at that range but just make sure. You don't want the dog to suffer after all.

Answer 6

A good vet will tell you that. I've known people that have had the same prob with thier dogs, they were told if the tumors are not cancerous and not in an area that is hindering the dog, then no, you don't have to have them removed. I would get a second opinion.

Answer 7

Where are the tumors?? If they're on the surface, you're being taken for a ride. If they are tied to an organ or other parts inside, it will cost more, but 2k seems very outrageous. Please seek a 2nd opinion. Did they biopsy?? If they tumors are bengin and not harming the dog, they may not HAVE to come off...find another vet.

Answer 8

I would get a second opinion. There is no way for us to be able to tell if it NEEDS to be done or not.

Here is what I will tell you, and its kind of sad but bear with me.

My dad still has my childhood dog (well we got her when I was 9) We adopted her and her sister. Her sister was put down over a year ago. Smokey (the one still alive) had a tumor on her neck. My dad has had it removed twice, both times it has grown right back. She is at a point now where she is pretty much just waiting to die. However, when It grew back the third time my dad thought, "WHY get it removed, it just grows back and she is close to death anyway" (Please don't ask me why he hasn't just had her put down, I don't htink he is ready to let go)

ANYHOW, It ended up rupturing, and got infected. That was more expensive than having them removed. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 9

If you feel that they aren't bothering the dog, and the dog evidently isn't bothered by them, then, no, they don't need to be removed. But, if the issue bothers you, take your dog to another vet for a second opinion! I have a Boxer, and she has one underneath her arm - doesn't bother anyone - and the vet hasn't said two words about it, other than confirming that it was a fatty tumor and that Boxers are prone to have them.

Answer 10

Well, no. Fatty tumors aren't cancer, BUT they can cause pain if they are pressing on nerve endings and interrupting the flow of the muscle. Shop around for a vet who will take payments and is more compassionate and maybe you can get a better price