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My senior dog has breast cancer and sores. Is it spreading? Should I put her down?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

my older female dog has breast cancer been about 4 years since found out now she is getting sores on her what could it be could the cancer spread and should I put her down don't want her to suffer she is 13

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 19th, 2017

I'm sorry your dog is so sick! Yes, malignant cancer will spread, and the sores could be due to it spreading. I would have her checked out by a vet to be sure, but if she is in pain and suffering, it is time to let her go peacefully. I work with a home euthanasia service, and I face these decisions with owners every day. I'd be glad to consult with you further on this if you'd like, simply click the "consult online" button under my answer. Again, I'm sorry she's sick :-(

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Getting sores means that the cancer is growing too big for the skin to contain it. This will make open wounds that get infected and may be painful. Listen to your dog. She will tell you when it is time to go. If you see that she is not happy all the time, slows down significantly, has infections, possibly breathing problems, then give her the gift of an easy passing.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on April 22nd, 2020
This is always a tough decision. You must look at Sweetie's quality of life:
https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-assess-your-pets-quality-of-life/

Look for behavior like isolating or not being excited about things that she used to really like. If it is not time to put her down, I recommend to call your vet and ask about options for that tumor. It could be causing her pain and could be infected. Sometimes antibiotics and a bandage can help the skin to heal at least for a little while and gain some more time for Sweetie. In the USA, vets are considered an essential business so they are not all closed. I recommend to call around to find a vet who is open and can take care of Sweetie.

I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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