Senior dog has malignant tumor near thyroid. Should she have surgery?

Question

My otherwise healthy 12 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback (w/ a little lab in her) has a history of lipomas. Yesterday she was diagnosed with a malignant tumor that is lying on her carotid artery. Dr can't tell if it's in her thyroid or not. What would be your opinion on whether or not she should have surgery? Pet's info: Dog | Rhodesian Ridgeback | Female | spayed | 12 years and 2 months old | 80 lbs

Ricardo Fernandez, DVM · Accepted Answer

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Your veterinarian may be referring to a thyroid tumor. The next step before considering surgery would be proceeding with a CT scan to check on how invasive the tumor appears to be. Then the next treatment option can be determined. A FNA can be performed at the time to determine the tumor type. If not too invasive surgery may be possible. If too invasive, and this is a thyroid carcinoma (the most common tumor in that region), radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be next best options. The prognosis with these tumors depends on the type which is why that needs to be tested. Also, it depends on how invasive it is and if it can be resected. If you think you have more information on the case that you did not describe in the question, feel free to request a consultation with me and I can continue to help. Best of luck and have a blessed day!

Senior dog has malignant tumor near thyroid. Should she have surgery?

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