We have a beloved dog, Shepherd mix, who is 14 years old. He has had two transfusions, and today had gastroscopy. The doctor discovered an adenocarcinoma in his stomach, in the pylorus area.
Our vet did not feel that he should do the surgery, feeling it is in a difficult area (what does this mean?) to operate. He did say that he could refer us to a specialist if we wanted their opinion.
What are the chances he could be cured of cancer? Should we do the surgery?
2006-10-03 15:45:45 · 4 answers · asked by NorthernCA/FL 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Well first of all let me tell you that I applaude you for spending the money to figure out what was wrong with your beloved dog. Not many people would have done what you did.
The pylorus section of the stomach is the area that is nearest the opening where the small intestine begins. The specialist would know exactly how to operate there without damaging the stomach or intestines.
As for the chances, it just depends. It is likely that the specialist would be able to get all of the tumor out, but with any surgery you will have risks to weigh. He is an older dog so the risks with anesthesia will be higher, but their are great technological advancements in vet medicine to deal with that risk.
If you talk to the specialist, he will be able to answer all of your questions and hopefully put your mind at ease. Be sure to write all of your questions down so you don't forget to ask one while you are there.
The decision is ultimately up to you, but I wish you great luck with whatever you decide and hopefully your dog will have a great many years with you. Good Luck!!
2006-10-03 16:16:54 · answer #1 · answered by Vet_Techie_Girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With the dog's age and the type of cancer he has, the most humane thing will most likely be to euthanize him. I know that is not what you want to hear, but he has lived a good long life. He probably will not survive the operation or if he does will not have good quality of life. My husband had an operation for stomach cancer this summer. His health has deteriorated quite a lot since the surgery, altho they tell us the cancer is gone. His surgery was also in a difficult spot. It was in the lower stomach. Very few surgeons here will even do the surgery. I am sorry you are going thru this with your dog.
2006-10-03 15:55:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
personally, the dog is 14 years old, and they can live for years with cancer. I think with his age he my not even be a candidate for surgery. I think you should just love him and take care of him for the rest of his life which could still be years but I think surgery on a 14y/o could be to much for there system. But this is my oppinion do what you feel would be best for your dog since I do not know him
A difficult area means that is is hard to get to surgically and it could potentially be a long surgery even if they tried. The chances of his cancer being cured at this age I would say 50:50 that is if they can even do the surgery.
2006-10-03 15:49:58 · answer #3 · answered by Dalmatian 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check this out. It's an interesting Q & A about gastric adenocarcinoma in an 11 yo collie mix with pyloric involvement.
http://www.vetinfo4dogs.com/dadenocarcinoma.html
2006-10-03 17:08:22 · answer #4 · answered by wenda w 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋