Q:  I have a Westie who is 15 years old. I took him to the vet who noted his abdomen was enlarged and took an x-ray. After looking at the x-ray the vet thinks there might a tumor on the liver and wants to do an ultrasound. If he has cancer, I do not want to do the surgery. The vet indicated that the cancer might be treatable by chemo. Is it worth going through all this and the expense at my dog’s age? We love him dearly, but want to make the right choice. We do not want him to suffer, and, for now, he is not. Can you offer a suggestion?

A:  I am sorry to hear about your dear Westie. I would agree to have the ultrasound performed because it will give much more information and provide a more accurate diagnosis than the x-ray alone can. If the diagnosis is cancer, your question is a good one and one I come across often in practice. I cannot give you an exact answer as to how “far” you should go with your pet and when it is “far enough” for your dog. You have to weigh the stress of the procedures, cost, life expectancy with the procedure and quality of life during and after the procedures.  My personal thought – and it is just my thought and not a directive especially because I don’t know you or your dog – is, if it is cancer, to not choose surgery or chemo as your dog is 15 years old. I would instead just make her comfortable with the proper diet and some medication that your vet may feel is appropriate. I would continue this approach until her quality of life becomes an issue, and then I would think of humane euthanasia as an option.

 

Your question has been answered by the following veterinarian:
Daniel Lauridia, DVM

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