Maya still has that lump on her cheek and my second opinion vet wants to take it out. I'm just worried about the anesthesia. Maya is 3 and healthy (at least I think) and had a blood test in August that came back normal. Is there anything I should ask the vet before, or be worried about? I have only had my dogs spayed so no other surgeries have been performed. Just need some reassurance that she will be fine!
I should change my name to paranoid mom of two pups!
Do you trust your vet and his/her practice's anesthesia protocol? There shouldn't be any problems as long as they know what they're doing relative to monitoring what's going on...and are aware of any health issues your dog might have that could create an issue (seizures, that kind of thing).
It's hard not to be paranoid, isn't it? It sounds like she is young and healthy. If her liver and kidney function are normal she'll probably do fine. There's always a risk, but balance that against leaving the lump in place, not knowing what it is and whether it could be an issue down the road. I don't remember if the vet tried a needle aspiration to see if (s)he could determine what it is. If there's been no needle biopsy, I guess I'd ask if that should be done first. If it has already been done and the vet thinks lumpy needs to be removed, I'd want it out of there. Good luck, keep us informed!
Sue
Chase 9/29/2006- 6/30/2017 Always in our hearts
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Henry 7/14/18
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“Because of the dog's joyfulness, our own is increased. It is no small gift. It is not the least reason why we should honor as well as love the dog of our own life, and the dog down the street, and all the dogs not yet born. What would the world be like without music or rivers or the green and tender grass? What would this world be like without dogs?”
― Mary Oliver, Hidden Content
There hasn't been a needle biopsy but I will call and suggest that first. I don't really know this vet much personally. Her regular vet said it was from trauma and it might go away, might not and kinda sent us on our way. It's been about 6 months with the lump. This vet has gotten amazing reviews and many people have recommended him to me. I will ask about a needle biopsy and see if that can be done first.
Health wise ise I haven't noticed any issues. No seizures and her blood test showed everything in the normal range.
I would try to do a needle poke of the lump first. It could be a fatty lipoma in a weird spot which could be left if it doesn't grow. It could show abnormal cells warranting removal. It could be hard enough to not give up any good cells to look at which would warrant removal.
Otherwise, I honestly worry more about cancer than them going under. I wouldn't put them under needlessly (like I'd never do a dental on mine) but if you are worrying about potential cancer, going under is necessary.
Grace had a hard lump growing on her head, the needle biopsy didn't get any cells at all, they couldn't pierce it. She went under at almost 9 years of age and had it removed. Thankfully it was nothing. But Maddy once had a lump removed from her butt cheek and it WAS cancer.
Jen
Hidden Content
Oh and where in CA are you? So Cal maybe??
Jen
Hidden Content
If the aspiration warrants surgery ask your vet about using Propofol anesthesia. It is less invasive/safer.
Patty
Hidden Content
Is that the kind where they are partially sedated? I've actually heard that can be more dangerous....their heart rate and everything slows down so much. And I know at my vet when they use full anesthesia, they are intubated and ready to go where if they were to stop breathing or something, they could be immediately resuscitated. I had similar concerns over full anesthesia being used and asked my vet about it, and that is how they explained it to me. She said she gets really nervous to see animals under partial sedation, since the heart rate and everythign slows so much. If something goes wrong, it is harder to intervene to help them.Originally Posted by Snowco Labradors
agree
OP , try aspiration first
good luck
I'm in Northern CA. My vet said the needle biopsy is 170 and the surgery to remove is less than that! I'm going to call around and see. I don't think it's cancer because the lump is soft and it is not growing at all. I would assume if it were cancer it would be and it has no where else to grow since it's in her cheek.
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