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My old dog has cancer symptoms, can't afford vet. What do I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | 8 years and 6 months old

Hi there. My dog is about 8 years old and he's had a sertoli cancer tumour for a few months. We've wanted to get it removed but we just couldn't afford it. His hair is falling out little by little and it's colour is changing. He is also nauseated often and lost a bit of weight. He's not the same dog that he was and I'm just devastated at the thought of putting him to sleep. I can't stand seeing him like this but i dread the thought of putting him down. What do i do??

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on January 8th, 2018

I retommend you contact your local humane societies for advice on emergency and subsidised care - there is much help available for pets in need due to financial constraints. Unfortunately with the weakness described there is a risk of complciations such as bone marrow supression which would make surgical treatment less likely to be successful and in ths case euthanasia may indeed be the kindest option for him to allow him his dignity in passing. A blood sample may help in guiding this decision as if curative treatment is not possible it is unfair to exoect him to carry such a debilitating condition for much longer
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