My dog has cancerous anal gland tumor, can't afford surgery. What now?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
My dog has an anal gland mass which is cancerous. I cant afford the procedure. She was diagnosed about 3 weeks ago. She is feeling the symptoms alot. She is slowing down is in pain and not active. What are my options and whats the best thing i can do for her?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on May 5th, 2019
I'm really sorry to hear this. Unfortunately, surgery is the mainstay of treatment. It is the only proven method to influence survival of dogs with these tumors. Usually dogs with this type of tumors also have kidney failure or high calcium as well which can complicate things. Metastasis (spread) can also be a problem. There is a drug called Palladia (a chemotherapy agent) that is usually given to the dogs after surgery however, I am unsure if it is helpful without surgery being done first. You would have to consult with a veterinary oncologist about that. That being said, that medication is extremely expensive. There is not much that can be done short of surgery and chemotherapy. If you cannot afford treatment then all you can do is make her as comfortable as possible and when it gets to the point that her quality of life is no longer good then you should consider humane euthanasia so she does not suffer. There are no over the counter medications that can be recommended. Hopefully this article will answer more of your questions. ( https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/anal-gland-tumors ) Again, I am sorry to hear this. I hope this helps. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 26th, 2018
I’m so sorry to hear about Violet. Anal gland masses come in several forms, some more malignant than others. If you don’t know for sure what kind it is, consider a needle aspiration or a biopsy to get a definitive diagnosis. If it comes out as anal gland adenocarcinoma (a pretty bad type of cancer), you have a couple options. I’m not sure who tried the surgery, but if it was your regular vet, ask him/her about having a board-certified surgeon doing the surgery. They are more practiced at that type of surgery and better able to avoid the nerves, blood vessels, and muscles that complicate that area so much. If you had the surgeon try already, consider an oncology consult to talk about options like radiation or chemotherapy if you are interested in doing so. Lastly, never underestimate palliative (comfort) care. An anti inflammatory medication or steroid, stool softeners, and pain medication (if needed) and your herbal supplements can buy good quality time with Violet so talk to your vet about your options. Best of luck to you and Violet!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on May 31st, 2018
Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Unfortunately, tumors of the anal gland tend to be quite aggressive. The best option is to discuss the case with an oncologist. Surgery and/or radiation therapy with some chemotherapy as well is the treatment a human would get, and is available for dogs in some areas. The best treatment depends on exactly what type of cancer it is. Once the results are in, I would recommend having a consult with an oncologist to discuss the options and outcomes, as you might be surprised at the options. Often a CT will be recommended as well to check for any spread of the cancer prior to starting chemo/radiation/surgery. Best of luck with Jockey.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on October 15th, 2018
I'm sorry that Jockey has a tumor near his anal sacs! You can take him into another vet to get a second opinion to see if they feel it's safe to remove or not. You could also discuss if chemotherapy or radiation may help shrink the size of the tumor. If either of these is not an option for him, then I would focus on his quality of life. When he does reach a point where he will be unable to pass feces, then letting him go via euthanasia would be the kindest option. Best of luck, I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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