Lump in my dog's mouth which could be melanoma

[FiveShelties]

My 12 year old Sheltie has a lump, around the size of a grape, on her gum. The vet is going to remove it on Monday and it will then be sent away for analysis. Vet has said she is worried about melanoma and has made a space in her operating time on Monday morning. Obviously I am really worried about her having melanoma but also about her having an anaesthetic at the age of 12. She is very fit, has slowed down a little over the last few months which I put down to her age. This morning we were running about on the beach and I cannot believe that she could be really sick.

I put this on the 'Pets' board but thought it would be better here.

@FiveShelties my dog had a biopsy on his lip about four months ago which turned out to be cancer. He is a 13 year old lab and coped just fine with the anaesthetic - I hope that reassures you although I know every case is different.

We decided he was too old to go through any treatment which our vet warned would be very invasive and painful and so we opted to give him a low dose of steroid each day. They cost a bomb, but he is currently laying by my feet, dozing in the sun. He has a lot of other problems now due to his age, but the cancer seems to have remained stable. I wish you all the best with your girl.

Veterinary anaesthesia is very safe .
My then 14 year old lab x had a lipoma removed last year -woke up really quickly according to vet and recovered fine ….. dog still going strong

My parents most recent dog had a melanoma removed aged 15!

The vet wouldn't operate if they were worried your dog would be at risk from the anaesthesia.

Many thanks, it was just such a shock to see this awful angry looking lump in her mouth, and the vet saying she wanted to remove it so quickly.

As always, it is the not knowing which is worrying and assuming the worst, of course.