My dog has a toe tumor; vet suggests euthanasia. What are my options?

I'm sorry to hear that Stubbs is having this problem. Without being able to see and palpate the tumor, I really can't say what surgical options might be reasonable. I can tell you that tumors on the paws and lower legs are often very challenging to completely remove without amputation, but there may be cases where this could be possible. I would suggest getting a second opinion from another veterinarian in your area, if you want to make sure that all reasonable options are being considered.

Unfortunately, when wounds don’t heal given appropriate treatment, things like cancer move up on the list of possible causes. Surgery may be the only option that he has for a complete cure. Due to Trader’s heart disease, you may want to consider having the procedure done by a specialist. You may also consider a referral to an oncologist who may be able to get a small tissue sample to determine if it is cancer or not. Your regular veterinarian may also be able to do this. Certain types of cancers may respond to chemotherapy or radiation and avoid surgery. It is all based upon what type of cancer is present however. I recommend to discuss these options and your concerns with your veterinarian. They will be best able to guide you in making this decision. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

I'm sorry to hear about Tuba's cancer! Luckily, most dogs do very well even on only three-legs, so if your vet is confident this will help treat the cancer, and that prognosis is good, moving forward is a good option. If there is still a lump or tumor, you vet can also help you determine if the margin of removal was good or not, the type of cancer present and its prognosis, and can help you monitor for any additional growths. If the cancer is spreading or wasn't caught, your vet may also be able to refer you to a nearby specialists or oncologist (cancer specialist) that can help with further information and a care plan for Tuba.

Dogs do get malignant nail bed tumors. This area does look angry and it certainly could be a malignant tumor. If you wish to be cautious you can get a second opinion from a veterinary oncologist or another veterinarian. It's difficult to get a good sample from this area so your veterinarian is correct to recommend a toe amputation. Since Hailey is young there is a chance that this is an infection also. You could try a course of antibiotics for a couple of weeks to see if it heals. If the mass continues to enlarge then I would definitely remove the toe as if it's a malignant melanoma they do spread and it could go into her lungs which is a life threatening condition. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Hailey.

That is probably the right advise, he is very old and the tumor will grow back for sure, it's just a matter of time unfortunately. it's probably best not to get him through that surgery as the recovery may be very problematic.

She has most likely been diagnosed with osteosarcoma (in the forelimb probably head of the humerus) which is a primary bond tumor. Bone tumors are painful and typically amputation is recommend with follow up chemotherapy. In the event the cancer has metastasized (spread) or it is suspected the patient will not have a good quality of life with three legs, less invasion options such as radiation therapy are recommended but only as palliative measures. If you have not already discussed talking to a veterinary oncologist with your veterinarian, I would recommend doing so. They will be able to provide you with a detailed treatment plan and prognosis.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am so sorry about Chunk's diagnosis! This is a terrible situation! If Chunk is having such a hard time now, it will likely be the same if the rear leg was amputated. Amputation is just palliative unfortunately, meaning it buys you and the pet time. Most bone cancers have microscopically spread by the time they are diagnosed. If Chunk's tumor is a fibroscarcoma then it is slower to spread and he could get more good time if he loses weight and is able to learn how to get around with 3 legs. So, if you are not ready to give up or give in to the situation, ask to have a biopsy done of the tumor so you know what cancer you are dealing with. If it is a fibroscarcoma then amputate and deal with losing the weight afterwards. If it is osteosarcoma then I think putting him down is fair. I am again very sorry that this is happening to you and Chunk. He is too young!