Benign Tumor on cheek 10 yr male

[Carol Mitchell]

Hi everyone. I have a 10 yr old male Mastiff that has been diagnosed with a 2 inch benign tumor on his right cheek . The vet is suggesting we remove it but it comes with caution due to the location and nerves around ear and jaw. He did not do well with the sedation given to him for the biopsy and my other concern is the anesthetic . Is he too old for surgery. This is weeping and growing. The vet says it can turn cancerous over time. Any suggestions? Has anyone gone through surgery with theirs at this age?

 

[Bailey's Mom]

This is a very difficult situation, I understand your anxiety in choosing to do the operation when you've had a negative reaction to anesthetic. I've been through it, but not with one as old as your fellow. But, I urge you to deal with the situation sooner rather than later. Talk to your doctor and ask to be referred to a Veterinary College
or a specialist or work out a dosage protocol so that the dog is "just" under and not out-to-lunch under.

When my girl was under, it was a hard bad road out. I had to lay down in her recovery cage with her and help her come out of the drugs. It broke my heart, but, she needed the tumor taken off. It too wasn't "YET" malignant, but, in time....who knows.

At any rate, try to find out if there is any way to lessen the drugs negative effects... And, it may help to remember, that our Mastiffs have rather short lives. 10 to 12 years at the most. So, the balancing act is how much pain, discomfort or "weeping and growing" the two of you can tolerate. Would his life be better if the growth was gone? If the answer is, "yes", I'd move ahead.

Let us know,

E.

 

[Boxergirl]

I have a more practical question. Speak to the vet that would be doing the surgery. Find out if they have a team in the room including an experienced technician that will be responsible for monitoring your dog while he's under. My daughter is a tech and she's found that there are practices that require her to "do" surgery and those that don't. "Doing" surgery for her is getting the dog prepped as well as anesthesia - which included monitoring the dog carefully during the duration of the surgery. Some practices the doctor performing the surgery was the one doing the monitoring of vitals while performing the surgery. Me? I wouldn't be comfortable with that. I want someone in the room dedicated to vitals while the vet does their surgical duties.

 

[Sheila Braund]

Totally agree with you both Boxergirl and Bailey's Mom! Both great advice. Carol wishing you and your boy the best!