Tumors...

[BritBrit]

Hi, I've been looking for a place where my questions can be answered, so hopefully you can help me. I have a minature schnauzer, Cuddles. She is 14 years old. In the winter time we usually let their hair grow to keep them warm so we didn't notice the growth on her leg. The growth is three times the size of her other leg. We took her to the vet, but cannot pay for the tests as of yet. It is believed to be a tumor. Cuddles also has a daughter, Snuggles. From the day Snuggles was born, she's done everything with cuddles by her side. She cries if we leave her alone and Cuddles isn't there. If Cuddles' Tumor has spread too do anything to get rid of it, I need to know how we can help her and also the best thing for Snuggles. If it would be better to put Cuddles to sleep, do we take Snuggles with us, or let her wonder where her mom is? Or do we just keep Cuddles home until she goes. I don't know which would be harder on Snuggles... Please help!

Britnie

[k9Karen]

I'm sorry to hear about the problem Cuddles has. It is almost impossible to offer advice when you don't know what the problem really is. It probably is a tumor, but all tumors are not cancer - the only way to know is to have the tests done.

Have you talked to your vet about the different tests that need to be done? Which ones are most important? Can he suggest any options where you might be able to obtain lower-cost treatment? (Vet school?) Does your vet offer financing? I think all vets take credit cards - that's how I paid for Angel's surgery last week.

As for having her PTS, IMO, it's too early to be thinking along that direction. Try to find a way to get a diagnosis as soon as you can, then you'll have an idea what your options might be.

Good luck.

[Traci]

Did I read you correctly, this growth is three times the size of the leg, or does she in fact have another growth on the otherleg? Regardless, the only way to determine the type of growth is with a biopsy. If this is a tumor and if it has progressed considerably within a short amount of time (a couple months), you can't afford to wait on a biopsy.

Only your vet or oncologist can advise you further. If the growth is as large as you say it is and if it happens to be malignant, your vet may suggest amputation of the affected limb (please don't fret over an amputation possibility, many pets fair quite well with the loss of a limb). But, you need to know the type, need to know what your treatment options are (chemotherapy vs removal of the limb or a combination of removal + chemo).

[Brit Brit]

We have actually taken her to two different Vets for different oppinions. We don't have the money to do all the tests right now, and they didn't suggest any other payment options. But that might be because I'm only 17. So the only way I can pay for it is with cash. It's pretty bad, she's got a growth on her side that seems to come and go and one more on her stomach. For now would it be best to see if the Vet can give her any meds to help while I get the money for the tests? Im also worried about Snuggles... If things are bad I'm not sure how she will react. Cuddles is 15 years old (they usualy only live to be 12 or 13) so I don't know if putting her through a surgery will be good.. but I guess I should just tell all of this to the Vet...
Thanks for you help
Britnie