Dog Delimna.. Could use some advice.

[Full Throttle]

My YLM will be 10 this Dec. took him to the vet and my wife asked about the pictured growth below. At first he dismissed it, but a few minutes later said they should biopsy it. Called it a mast cell tumor. After biopsy, they said its "likely" cancerous but needs to be removed and sent to pathologist to know for sure. Cost $800. And they can't tell me if it has spread or not at this point.

Zip is the greatest hunting companion I could have ever asked for. But he has slowed down a lot. I had already decided this would be his last year in the duck blind. On one hand, I'm thinking he may have 3-4 good quality years left as my buddy and I should get it removed. The other side of me thinks if its cancerous, getting it removed may or may not have any bearing on his final fate if it has spread. Just not really sure what to do at this point and welcome any and all suggestions.

[LeonCountyRook]

Get a second opinion.

[the dirty one]

We had the same thing come up on my Doberman about 6 years ago and we had it removed. Pathology report came back as cancerous, but the doc said we got it in time. Long story short she lasted another 2 years before dying of a heart attack. To me there is no right or wrong answer on this, part of me says have it removed because that is your hunting buddy and family pet the other part of me says its just a dog. But they are apart of the family, tough call either way.

[Christianhuff]

Would get a second opinion, but if they suggest to remove it, I would. Put down my yellow last year, that would be a small price to pay for another 2-4 years with my hunting buddy.

[bsimpson]

I think I would have it removed and not do any testing. That way you won't spend a fortune but you also may have removed a possible problem.

[DuckDogTrainer]

I had the same issue with a dog a few yrs ago. I called another vet who removed it for $175 I did not do testing Because it needed to be removed either way. I strongly recommend calling other vets and asking them the cost to remove a small tumor.

[stinkbelly]

Where are you located? Maybe we can recommend a vet for a second opinion.

How long do these dogs usually live? If it is only a couple of more years, then you will just be putting the dog through a lot of pain to gain nothing. If he can live another 10 years, you should look into it.

My brother's lab had cancer and they had to remove it's leg. After it healed up and learned to walk on 3 legs they found out that the cancer had spread. The dog died within the year.

In the end, do what your gut tells you to do. You are the only one that has to live with your decision.