Health & WellbeingSenior dog with growing tumors and new symptoms: Surgery or comfort?
The first question to be addressed is whether or not Zara is physically strong enough to withstand the surgery. She will need a full physical exam with blood work to determine this. Second, the type of tumor and its staging needs to be addressed. Are these masses localized, or have they spread to lymph nodes, lungs, brain, etc? Finally, what aftercare would Zara need? How debilitated would the procedure leave her? The ultimate question for you to consider is length of life vs quality of life. At her age, it may be best to let her live out the rest of her life in relative comfort, rather than in a lengthy--and possibly painful--recovery.
Updated on September 24th, 2025