My senior dog has terminal cancer. When is it time to say goodbye?

Question

I'm confused my dog A 14 year old Labrador retriever has soft tissue sarcoma and its spread to the bone he had the lump mostly removed but as it was in the mouth by and artery they couldn't remove all of it they also said he has an infection in his mouth that needs antibiotics but the cancer is still there I don't know what to do do I say goodbye or get anti biotics which will clear infection but obviously the cancer will still be growing please help I'm so upset and don't know what to do!!

Ana M, DVM · Accepted Answer

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dog. I am sorry to hear about his diagnosis. The antibiotics will likely help provide him some comfort for a period of time. Pain medications will help as well. However, the cancer is a terminal diagnosis. When discussing quality of life, I want the patient to still be having more good days than bad days. The patient needs to be able to eat and drink adequately as well as having enough mobility to get around comfortably. Finally, I want the dog to still have some joy in his life. When these needs are no longer able to be met, then it is time to consider euthanasia. I hope this information provide you some objective criteria. Again, I am sorry for your situation.

My senior dog has terminal cancer. When is it time to say goodbye?

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