My gerbil's scent gland tumor is growing. Surgery or euthanasia?

Question

Hello. I have asked before about if my gerbil had a scent gland tumor. The vet confirmed he does. They gave us medicine to keep him comfortable and the option of surgery or putting him down if needed. We haven't gotten the surgery and it got bigger and I see that a small one is now coming next to it. The vet doesn't have any openings til the 20th. My question is him being 1 (2 in august) and acting normal from what I can tell. Would putting him to sleep or surgery be best? Pet's info: Small Animal | Gerbil | Male | unneutered

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

Glandular tumors are often malignant cancers so if he is getting more tumors, it may be best to euthanize him. Without seeing him myself and having the entire medical history it is difficult for me to say though. As long as he is eating/drinking and using the bathroom normally you can wait and see but if his quality of life is (or starts to) suffer you should consider euthanasia. Personally I don't think surgery will be curative. Those tumors, in that location, are difficult to completely remove so recurrence is common.

My gerbil's scent gland tumor is growing. Surgery or euthanasia?

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