My 11 year old golden retriever has received a highly possible diagnosis for oral melanoma. He has a mass about the size of a quarter hanging from his inner upper lip. The vet has currently recommended surgery (cautery lumpectomy) to do the biopsy and truly determine if it is cancerous or not. My concerns with proceeding with the surgery are that if it is cancerous (which is highly likely based on shape/color/location), is that I cannot afford further treatments needed post-surgery. I cannot even afford this surgery and will be putting it on credit if choosing to proceed with it. The other thing I have become aware of after looking through various posts is that for positive diagnosis, the cancer returns significantly more aggressive on the area if left untreated. I fear in choosing to do the surgery, I am taking away from my pet’s quality of life and needlessly putting him through unnecessary pain.
My other concern is after-care. He is older in age and I fear any complications that may arise from the surgical removal of the mass. I’ve been reading up on various anecdotes of different pet owners with a similar diagnosis and even for those who had the financial means to afford further treatments, overall they were only buying a couple more months of their pet’s life with those being not of the best quality.
I have been devastated by these news and overall I want to prioritize his happiness and quality of life. I am conflicted if choosing or not choosing to proceed with the surgery is the best course of action for his happiness.