My dog has abdominal cancer. What are treatment options & costs?

Question

My 10 year old puggle was just diagnosed as having cancer. The xrays showed a huge mast in her abdomen. I would like to know what my best plan of action should be and around how much money we're talking about. I love my dog and i just feel its not her time yet. What can i do?? Also what is the name of the cancer if you know. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 117 lbs

Sarah Box, BVSc · Accepted Answer

I am so sorry to hear about Brandie's recent diagnosis. I can only imagine how distressing this must be for you. There are a number of options for how you can choose to proceed. Finding out a bit more about the mass would be a good place to start. Whilst X-rays can show us the presence of a mass, it is often very difficult to determine which organ is affected and what time of cancer it is. An abdominal ultrasound would help to determine not only which organ(s) is affected, but also allow a better evaluation of how big the mass is, and sometimes samples can be obtained that a pathologist can study and diagnose what type of cancer. Abdominal surgery can also be warranted, either after an ultrasound or immediately. Visualization of the abdominal organs allows the mass to be located, sometimes removed, and certainly permits samples to be taken. A large abdominal mass is usually associated with the liver or spleen, and could be any number of types of cancer. A common type is hemangiosarcoma. All the above options do have the potential to be costly (price will vary between region/state and also veterinary clinic). If finances are limited then you can certainly speak with your veterinarian about assessing quality of life for Brandie and how to keep her comfortable. You may need to make a decision to put her to sleep as the disease progresses. I encourage you to chat further with your veterinarian, have them talk to you about the options available to you in your local area. Ask questions about additional diagnostics such as ultrasound and cytology/histopayhology, even about the option of chemotherapy if the mass is identified as something responsive to this type of treatment. Good luck, and I hope you and Brandie are able to find the answers you are looking for to keep her healthy!

My dog has abdominal cancer. What are treatment options & costs?

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