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If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Our Lab has breast cancer..

13 replies

QueenofallIsee · 03/10/2013 11:12

This morning saw us finding a horrible red growth on/around her nipple, something that had sort of popped out. Straight to the Vets and after a clean up it is clear that there is a 'mass' in her mammery glands. She is nearly 13 and not spayed so a cancerous tumour is likely and considering her advanced years, surgery will be a hard slog for her to get over.

£1200 for the full blown treatment Shock. We are now wrestling with what is best for the old girl - it is a very invasive treatment and it takes a long time to heal. Our vets are very helpful and will consider a payment plan thankfully so we can put aside money worries..but is treatment really what is best when she is not in any pain (the popped out part having been sorted today) or discomfort and the treatment may not actually prolong her life. Anyone any experiance of this?

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1MitchellMum · 03/10/2013 11:28

My inclination would be not to go ahead with surgery. It may not be cancerous, but even if it is then the recuperation would take a while. We have a similar thing with our 11 year old boy - couldn't bear the thought of him struggling after an op (and five months later he's still with us :)). Good luck with whatever you decide. I think even if were just to cost £20 then I still wouldn't be keen.

Original poster
QueenofallIsee · 03/10/2013 11:36

Thanks for the response 1Mitch, I am so grateful that we can cover the cost over a few months so i don't have to choose purely based on affordability. She is old in body but not at heart and is still in very good health on the face of it! In that she is active, happy and has no issues with mobility etc and from what the vet was saying, this surgery would really be alot to take and healing would be a hard slog.

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1MitchellMum · 03/10/2013 11:53

I hope you enjoy whatever time you have left - and hope too that, like us, it's months or more. x

Wheresmycaffeinedrip · 03/10/2013 12:01

What breed is she? I think 13 is a great age fir most breeds of dog. I'm not sure if I would want a dogs last months to be "recovering" unless she was a breed that lived much longer. I think I'd probably spoil her rotten for a bit and just keep an eye on her to make sure I didn't miss her being in pain.

How awful :(

throckenholt · 03/10/2013 12:04

At that age I wouldn't put her through the operation - keep her as well as possible without that for as long as she is comfortable.

Wheresmycaffeinedrip · 03/10/2013 12:05

Blush I've just seen you said lab. In that saw she's done amazingly and has obviously been well looked after. I don't think of go for surgery at that age :(

Original poster
QueenofallIsee · 03/10/2013 12:13

We have never had any health issues with her, just a virus earlier in the year and no hip problems or anything which are common with labs...she jumps about like a puppy still which is why the idea of an operation is so concerning. Thank you all so much - we love our girl tons but we knew we would be here one day. Truthfully her breeds average life span is probably already been surpassed so we know it wouldn't prolong her life.

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Wheresmycaffeinedrip · 03/10/2013 12:28

Just enjoy her, make every day special :)

daisydotandgertie · 03/10/2013 13:49

I have.

Daisydog3 (aged 2.8) was pts in May this year when she was diagnosed with a fast growing pancreatic tumour. There was no hope of a cure for her and the decision was pretty clear cut tbh.

I have very recently found out that daisydog1 who is 12 also has a tumour growing somewhere in her nervous system. I have questioned the vet and there is little chance of treatment or surgery making a huge amount of difference to the eventual outcome. I have decided not to have any tests or scans done because I don't want to give her the distress of a day in the vets/a journey to the major treatment centre or to run the risk of a GA on an older dog.

Daisydog3 is happy, loves a good long walk and cuddles when she fancies them. It is hard to believe that cancer is growing inside her.

I will let it run it's course and ensure she is in no pain or distress. I lost my DH to cancer in April this year and I know how punishing treatment is. I cannot do it to an old lady just because it is available IYSWIM - even though I know animal treatment is different to human. Especially as the outcome is going to be the same no matter what I do.

daisydotandgertie · 03/10/2013 13:50

Oh. And all mine are labs! Forgot to say.

Original poster
QueenofallIsee · 03/10/2013 14:37

I am so sorry to hear of your troubles Daisydotandgertie, I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience - it does help reinforce that we are doing the right thing Thanks

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mistlethrush · 03/10/2013 14:38

Sorry to hear you've had such a rough year Daisy. Definitely the right approach.

Queen - have you asked whether there's anything that would slow down any spread of the cancer without having such a major effect on her as the op? My vet said that some of the pet chemos could be very worth while having (very different from the human ones) - although mistledog died only 3 weeks after the first limp we saw that indicated she had bone cancer.

Original poster
QueenofallIsee · 03/10/2013 15:04

That is a good question Mistlethrush - I think we will know more once the vets confirm the spread of the tumours (we have had an xray today to see). If the mass is limited to her mammery gland then hopefully they will offer it as a control mechanism. Again, would need to consider in the context of her comfort etc. Such a lot to think on.

Sorry to hear about Mistledog, that must have been terrible

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