My dog has growing lumps, vet suspects cancer. What should I do about treatment costs?

Costs will vary by geographical location. After an initial exam, typically $25-$50, the veterinarian will be able to provide an estimate for services. A fine needle aspirate can be done on the lumps to collect samples for pathology. Once results are received, the lump can simply be monitored or they may need surgical resection. Do not hesitate to request an estimate. Most clinics will provide one as a matter of hospital policy.

I am assuming that your vet did a needle aspirate and wasn't able to get a diagnosis. The only way to know the cause of the lumps would be to remove them and submit to a lab for biopsy. As long as he is otherwise healthy then the risk of anesthesia is low. If he needs a dental cleaning then your vet could do both at the same time. If you don't want to have them removed then you could monitor for a month or so and see how the lumps change. If they are growing then they really should be removed.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bailey. It is good that her new veterinarian properly diagnosed the mass. Most aggressive types of skin cancer grow very rapidly. The fact that her mass did not, is a good sign. Furthermore, it is also good that the mass is not attached to deep underlying tissues. This will make the removal easier. It is will also make it more likely for the mass to be entirely removed. I recommend having the mass submitted to a pathologist for review after it is removed. This is will give you an accurate diagnosis and what you expect for her going forward. I hope this information helps. Good luck!

If conventional treatment has not prevented Lacy from getting at the mass, then have her seen by your veterinarian. She may need to have it surgically removed. Once that is done, it can be submitted for pathology to make sure it isn't anything to worry about. It could be a benign skin mass (sebaceous adenoma) that is common in older dogs. Removing it does not guarantee it will not regrow or keep others from popping up.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You should definitely bring the lumps to your vet's attention on Thursday. As Beau will already be under anesthesia, which is usually the bulk of the cost of the procedure, it may be wise to have the lumps removed at the same time. Your vet can also take a fine needle aspirate, or a small sample of cells, if you elect not to have the lumps removed completely. I hope all goes well for Beau on Thursday!

With any new lump or lump that is changing, it is always best to have your veterinarian look at them and a fine needle aspirated can be done to obtain a sample of cells. If these cells look suspicious of a malignancy, then your vet can recommend surgery. From the photos that you have posted, my guess is that these may be benign, non-cancerous masses. These can still cause problems, though, by bleeding and getting infected. I would schedule Max for an exam at your earliest convenience so that you and your vet can weigh the pros and cons of surgery since he is a senior.

This lump needs to be checked and analysed as there are many conditions and types of tumors that could look like that. take Alfie to the vet, they will perform a fine needle aspiration on the growth and send it to the lab for analysis. when the result comes, the vet will advise what needs to be done according to the diagnosis. if money is an issue, please contact the RSPCA or the PDSA and they should be able to help.