My older dog's nose mass surgery: What's recovery and eating like?

I highly recommend removal especially since the salivary gland is that large. I would have a consult with a boarded surgeon and see their opinion but I would not hesitate removing it in Spike. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I'm so sorry to hear that Spike is having this problem. From your history, it sounds like the nasal discharge started before the dental operation. If that is the case and the dental did not improve the discharge, then it might be time to take some x-rays of the nose and teeth. If there is a tooth that is infected at the root, it may look normal in the mouth, but may have signs of infection on x-rays. That can also cause swelling. The only treatment will be to remove the tooth. Cancer will most commonly cause bleeding instead of just normal nasal discharge, but is always possible. Unfortunately, it sounds like Spike needs some more testing to figure out what is going on and determine the best treatment to make him feel better. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Poor Spike! I know this is a tricky situation due to his age. Every dog handles this dofferently but the older they get the harder it is. I would consider his age and talk to your vet in best case scenario how many GOOD QUALITY months could you get out of him. If it is only projected to add a month to his life then I am not sure it is worth putting him through an extensive and painful surgery plus radiotherapy. On the hand, if it 6 more months, then it may be worth it. If you dont plan to do the radiotherapy and surgery alone wont extend his life then I personally wouldnt do surgery at his age. I would talk to your vet abot what can be done just to make him comfortable - pain meds, appetite stimulate, long term anti-fungals or antibiotics, etc. In seniors, I always like to consider how to give them a good QUALITY of life over QUANTITY. I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Spike! I am assuming since you have had extensive diagnostics done that you and Spike are in the care of a specialist. If there is an infection in his sinuses then it could be resistant or be fungal. Fungal infections do not respond to antibiotics and the Vet would want a diagnosis before starting anti-fungals. My concern is for a tumor due to Spike's age. I can't view your image as it is very very small and out of focus. I would ask what other imaging like an MRI can be done to confirm if there is a tumor or not. Also I would just do the scope with the hope that they will see the tumor and are able to get a good culture and biopsy. If they can't then consider surgery. I wish you and Spike the best!

Depending on what part of the ear is being removed will largely determine the recovery time. If just the pinna (the outer external portion) is being remove, while this can be a blood procedure Joey will likely be discharged from the hospital the same day. If your vet is performing a full ear ablation and removal of the ear canal, this is a much more involved procedure that will likely require 1-2 days of hospitalization post operatively. One of the major concerns of this procedure include nerve damage that can result in difficulty with balance as well as paralysis of the certain parts of the face. This can result in some difficulty eating, nausea, and drooping of the cheeks / lips. Joey will have to wear an e-collar for at least a week after the procedure in order to prevent the sutures or staples from being ripped out. He will likely be provided with pain medication, anti inflammatory meds, antibiotics, and possibly anti nasuea / motion sickness medication. In general, dogs recover from surgical procedures much more quickly than do people. Joey will probably be back to her normal self within a few days (in terms of energy level) of the procedure assuming there are not significant complications with the procedure.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Lily! Removing a few lumps isn't the same as removing the eyes. She could be more painful than you think or is reacting to the pain medication or the antibiotic. I would start to worry 3 days after surgery. Give her time. It's barely been 24 hours after this major surgery. And even if we though she was 100% blind before she may have seen some light and now her world is dark. I have seen dogs we thought were blind have both eyes removed and they were depressed for a while. I wish you and Lily the best!

I am sorry, but there is no cure for cancer. Small tumors can be removed surgically and then undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy depending on the type of tumor and if clean margins were made during surgery. If this is not an option for Hundoll, then he would be considered for hospice-type care. I would recommend that you have have him evaluated by a vet for pain. You can feed him whatever he wants at this point. Acupuncture may help with some of the pain, but it won't be able to stop the growth of the tumor. You may be able to find a vet in your area that uses herbal remedies, but they need to be prescribed after careful examination of the dog.