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My dog has advanced cancer. What's best for his quality of life?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Male | neutered | 11 years and 6 months old | 70 lbs

My 11 y/o pit bull terrier has cancer tumor in his anal cancer sac and metestasized to lymph nodes and stomach lining. The surgeon said he has 6 months left. Or if he does the surgery try to get as much cancer out as he can, plus chemo may add 3 more months. I do not want to put him through surgery and chemo. I don’t want him to suffer either. I am devastated over this. Tony was healthy but 20lbs overweight so we cut down his kibble,he lost 20 and now he has cancer. Help! What do you advise?

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1 Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 16th, 2018

Tony is such a handsome boy! I'm so sorry he has cancer though, that is very tough for you. I can understand not wanting to put him through surgery and chemo; while it will give him a little extra time, it won't cure the cancer and the end result is the same. It's fine not to do that, and if you really don't want to take that treatment path, I recommend making the most of the time you have left with him. Spoil him rotten, give him foods he loves (but make sure they aren't ones that are toxic!), go for walks and car rides, and have him enjoy every bit of life he has left. Continue to monitor his quailty of life, and make a list of five things he loves to do. When he no longer is doing at least two of them, then his quality of life has declined to a point where euthansia should be considered. Keep in contact with your vet about how he's doing to you can evaluate his quality of life objectively and make the best decision possible for him. I hope this helps, and again I'm sorry you are in this position.

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