My old dog has a cheek tumor. Is surgery safe for a senior pet?

Question

Hello, Tecka is 14 years now and has developed a tumor on the side of her cheek. We have taken her to the vet and they told us that with her age it is a very evasive operation and may cause problems so it may not be worth it. She is currently on antibiotics and painkillers. Thanks in advance. Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | unspayed | 14 years and 5 months old | 61 lbs

Rodrigo Roca, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello, thank you for your question about Tecka. There are many different types of tumors that can occur on dog's faces, diagnostic tests such as a small needle sample or biopsy can be performed to help identify exactly what kind of mass this is. Depending on what the underlying mass different treatment options are available such as surgery or radiation therapy. Surgery of the face/cheek area can be challenging because there is minimal skin/muscle present in this area, often making healing more challenging. Additionally, depending on characterization of the mass a veterinarian might recommend a CT scan of Tecka's head to see if the mass extends into the muscles or bones of the face. If you are interested in getting more information about potentially having this mass removed I would recommend consulting with a boarded veterinary surgeon. They have advanced training and additional experience in surgery of delicate areas such as the face. Hope this helps, good luck!

My old dog has a cheek tumor. Is surgery safe for a senior pet?

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