My senior dog has an anal tumor. When is it time to say goodbye?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 11 years and 2 months old | 95 lbs
Ben, a 12 year old lab. diagnosed with anal tumor protruding from rectum. Horrible smell coming from the area. Vet said he's in pain but does not act like it. recommended surgery, but cannot afford cost and no biopsy done. He eats and drinks (drinks a lot lately). Arthritis in rear legs. He get around but slow and not good up steps. I don't want to put him down if I don't need to. I'm just looking for advice. Thank you!
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on February 11th, 2018
I'm sorry Ben has an anal tumor! Your vet is right that he will be pain, even if he doesn't act like it. Dogs can be very stoic about pain, and he is also showing you he is in pain from his arthritis based on the fact that he moves around slowly and can't get up stairs well. It's a hard choice to make as to when it's time to say goodbye to a beloved pet. I work for a home euthanasia company, so I face this question all the time with my clients. I recommend making a list of five things Ben loved to do. When he's not doing at least two of them, then his quality of life has declined to a point when humane euthanasia should be considered. Also consider his quality of life if he starts having trouble passing feces due to the size and location of the tumor. In the meantime, I would discuss giving him pain meds with your vet. This may improve his quality of life in terms of getting around and help with the pain from the tumor. If you'd like to discuss things further with me, you can request a consult for more in-depth help. Good luck, I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on January 22nd, 2017
I am so sorry Ben is having such a hard time! It's so hard when you get close to the time to say goodbye to beloved pet, especially since we are never ready to let them go. I work for a home euthanasia service, so I face this question a lot with my clients. I recommend looking at the animal's quality of life and making a list of five things the animal loves to do. If they are no longer doing at least two of them, then their quality of life has declined to a point where euthanasia should be considered. I wouldn't wait until Friday for Ben to be seen. I would have him seen sooner, and discuss with the vet if a different mediation may help his symptoms, such as Rimadyl, or a combination of medications such as Rimadyl and Tramadol. If your vet doesn't think those are viable medications for him, then I would consider letting him go peacefully and without further pain. I'm so sorry you are in the position, I know how hard it is and how much you must be hurting :-(
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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