Senior dog with sarcoma: Is surgery necessary if he's not in pain?

Question

Vet thinks surgery would be difficult due to location and recommended an Oncologist. I'm going through radiation myself right now and don't want to do that to him He's 13. Report says PROBABLE Soft Tissue Sarcoma with mild mixed cell inflammation. From what I'm learning, it's pain free and he'll have 2-4 years without intervention. Do you think surgery looks like an option? I'm leaning towards just leaving it be. He's not in pain and still jumps and runs and feels good! He doesn't even lick it. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | 26 lbs

Dr. Elizabeth · Accepted Answer

Hello, my name is Dr. Shines and I'm sorry to hear you and Nico are going through all of this. Your plate is definitely full. The decision to pursue treatment for cancerous masses is a very personal one and as long as Nico is not allowed to suffer, there is not a right or wrong answer. I agree surgery in that area will be hard if you are looking to keep the foot. It's already a big mass in an area that has very little extra skin (versus if it was some place like the shoulder where there's lots of extra skin). Soft tissue sarcomas tend to be locally invasive and spread 'cancer fingers' into the surrounding tissue that are microscopic. When these masses are removed, you have to take aggressive margins and that's going to be really hard for Nico in this location. Due to this reason, amputation of the limb can be an option when otherwise removing the mass is unlikely. That's certainly a big decision to make. The other concern with this mass is location. It can be easier to traumatize since it's on the foot. Also, it can out grow the blood supply and start to become a chronic wound (which is not good). I always recommend to have a consultation with an oncologist. Even if you opt not to pursue treatment, you will know all of your options and make an informed decision. Typical life expectancy for a medium sized dog is 14-16 years of age. It is valid to take his age into account when deciding what to do. In the end, as long as you do not allow him to suffer or be in pain, you will not make a wrong decision. Opting to allow Nico to live out his days with this mass (as long as he is comfortable and happy) is a valid option. Opting for treatment is a valid option. You must do what feels right in your heart. I hope this helps to provide some guidance and please feel free to reach out any time.

Senior dog with sarcoma: Is surgery necessary if he's not in pain?

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