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My dog has cancer. Will chemotherapy kill him within a year?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 6 years and 5 months old

My vet told me that my dog has cancer and that it will need chemotherapy. When my older brother found out he said that its best to kill the dog now since it will die in a year because of the chemotherapy. Is it true? The cancer was located in the penis and i couldn't ask the vet if it was true. from just a basic visit to the vet for neuterize him to chemotherapy to treat cancer and a older brother who only wants to get rid of the dog I just to depresing

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on May 4th, 2017

I am sorry to hear that and I can understand the frustration but it is not uncommon that very severe problems are spotted during a normal consultation. To discuss it I would recommend to describe the problem in further details and eventually post some pictures. We won't be able to tell you much if we do not know: - what type of cancer it is and what tests were performed by your vet. - what type of chemotherapy your vet suggested - how your dog is doing (general comment on his health status) Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I'm sorry that Golondrino has cancer! No, it's not necessarily true he will die in a year from the chemo. Chemo can help extend his life and depending on the type of cancer he has, it could have the potential of curing his cancer completely. I understand it's very depressing and even scary, but I do recommend following your vet's recommendation to try chemo. Your vet is the expert on cancer and chemo, and I would listen to the vet :-)

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I am assuming that your dog was diagnosed with prostate cancer, chemotherapy will not kill your dog but the Cancer probably will eventually and unfortunately. this is a very difficult decision to make, both treatment and euthanasia should be considered.

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