Our girl will be 14 in December. She was just diagnosed with squamous cell cancer in her gum. It has not invaded the bone, is localized and is slow growing. The doctor wants to operate and remove much of her upper jaw. Have any of you had your lab go through this surgery? Cryotherapy? Any other treatment? Was it successful? How long did your dog live after? And, I guess, the question is, based on her age, is the pain of the surgery going to be worth prolonging her life by a year, or should we forego the surgery and just love her to pieces for the next 6-8 months?
I don't have any experience at all of this issue, but just wanted to say so sorry you are facing this hard decision.
I don't have any experience of this either, but I hope somebody here will be able to help. I'm so sorry you're faced with making such a huge decision and hope all goes well for you and your girl.
I don't have details but our neighbours/friends had a dog (Lab mixed with other breeds) who had cancer of the lower jaw (sorry don't have a name for it). They spent an absolute fortune in money and time taking her for surgery and them follow up treatment. They had to travel for this treatment. She had half her lower jaw removed. She looked strange and dribbled a lot but she lived a happy dog for another couple of years before eventually being put to sleep aged 15 years. It's a tough one and I personally have mixed feelings about it. However, it was not my dog and they did what felt right for them. I hope you are able to decide a way forward.
I am so sorry to hear your sad news . My own dog has cancer , a slowly progressing T cell Lymphoma diagnosed via a lump I found on his chest . I did opt for surgery because a) he was only five years old and b) it was not a life changing surgery, just removing the small lump plus tissue to biopsy . However , we made the decision to stop there , offering palliative care only, but of course, the decision is a personal one and a very hard one to make too . I would say, gather all the information you can , re the surgery but also re the recovery , and make the best decision for your old love xx
Sorry your girl has had this horrible diagnosis. Talk to your vet about your worries. Ask them about the recovery period. Grill them about it. I wish you and your beloved friend all the best x
So sorry you're facing this horrible dilemma. Personally, and this is probably not what you wanted to hear, I wouldn't be putting a dog of mine through such a major op at that age. It would be a case of spoiling them and enjoying every moment until having to make that final decision.
I'm so sorry, that's a horrible decision to have to make... I would say, just ask yourself what is best for your dear girl, rather than what might be best for you, and then you won't go far wrong.
That is so tough for you. I don't know anyone who has been through this. Surgery and chemo is pretty tough to cope with even when you understand exactly what is happening. I haven't been in this situation myself but believe quality of life trumps quantity so this would be my first priority. Have you see a specialist yet or just your normal vet?
I'm so sorry for you. In agreement with the other comments, get the very best information and advice from your vet, or a specialist if necessary, and then you can make the best, informed choice for girl.
As the squamous cell carcinoma has not invaded the bone yet, could you not just have that part removed and leave the jaw alone? As she is almost 14, I wouldn't put her through surgery to remove part of the jaw. My husband has just had a squamous cell carcinoma removed successfully from his head.
I am so sorry for the situation. I'd have to base my decision on what the vet says as far as chance of success and then what your gut tells you your dog would want you to do. Bless you and be at peace with whatever decision you make. 14yrs, that is wonderful!
