My older dog recently had a tumour removed from her mouth and it was discover that she has a form of cancer that moves into the surrounding tissue. My vet is currently researching options for me, but I was wondering if anyone has any advice fore me. She is my baby and money is not a large option as long as the procedure is not extremely painful for her. My biggest concern is to not have her in a lot of pain.
She is currently eating normally and playing like always.
2007-03-22 15:27:47 · 8 answers · asked by harleighzoe 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I'm a veterinarian and also had my own personal dog develop an oral tumor so I understand what you are going through! If it is an epulis, these are the most common types of tumor in the dog mouth, most of these are benign, unless it's an acanthomatous epulis. This type of epulis can invade surrounding tissue and the jaw bone underneath the gums. That's what my dog had. For these, your vet might recommend surgery that involves removing part of the jaw. If your vet recommends this, it sounds really horrible, but I'll tell you most dogs do great after this surgery. If a Fentanyl pain patch is used for pain along with other good pain control just after surgery, they are eating within 24 hrs of surgery, and feeling comfortable. Make sure with any surgery such as this you have a surgical specialist do it. Your vet can refer you to one locally. It's pretty specialized. I had a specialist do my own dog when I got that done! The good news about the epulis is that it doesn't spread to other organs or other areas of the mouth. Once it's completely removed, it's cured.
If the cancer is something else, like a fibrosarcoma or melanoma, these have more potential of spreading to other organs. Especially melanoma, these are pretty highly malignant in dogs. The fibrosarcoma is usually treated pretty much like the epulis but that one is harder to completely remove. Sometimes additional treatment is recommended for that one.
If radiation is recommended, that can help sometimes, but I'll tell you it is very painful because it destroys healthy tissue as well as tumor and you could be talking about temporary feeding tubes and stuff...radiation I consider my least favorite treatment for oral tumors.
Hope I helped a little. Good luck. You can always ask your vet about local veterinary oncologists. They do exist and a consult never hurts!
2007-03-22 15:58:25 · answer #1 · answered by dizzyg 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry to hear that but at least your vet is researching options for you. I know what you are feeling. My oldest Shih Tuz is 13 and last year she had a big cyst remove from her belly. She is doing just fine. I know how you feel seeing you fur baby being hurt like that. I hope she will be ok. There is nothing sweeter than a Shih Tzu , they love people so much , they don't deserve to be hurt like that. Good luck to you and my thoughts are for your little dog that she will be fine.
2007-03-22 15:45:39 · answer #2 · answered by china 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would take my shih tzu to the state college that teaches vets
here in Michigan it was MSU in East Lansing, Michigan..
but the college professors treat the dogs and of course its a teaching facility and they had to operate on my dog and he had a torn ligament and the operation cost $600.00 and they kept her overnight...and he had a cast for awhile..
but this is where i would try first..our vet recommended this facility.good luck...dogs are our best friends and close like our children..good luck
2007-03-22 15:33:39 · answer #3 · answered by Louella R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey, as long as she doesn't feel the pain, love and enjoy her! You will know if she is suffering. Until then, make the most of every moment with her!!! Grab a camera, take some photos. You won't regret it.
2007-03-22 15:32:24 · answer #4 · answered by pbpsrule 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would just listen to what the vet says. He'll know the best thing for you to do!
2007-03-22 15:30:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh, I hate to hear that. You both are in my prayers. Wish I had some resource for you.
GL.
Lilli
2007-03-22 15:31:09 · answer #6 · answered by Lilli_white_lies 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
boil some onions use then add valareon root to the water. serve your dog the broth it will put her to sleep, so she can rest.
2007-03-22 15:36:00 · answer #7 · answered by dogfart 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I suppose all u can do is comfort ur dog for now and wait 2 see wat the vet says.
2007-03-22 15:33:31 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋