Seeking Advice: Growth On Dog (allergic, vet, black, surgery)

[msohrakoff]

My boyfriend and I have a 6 year old black lab. We left for a weekend and came home to find a baseball size lump on his neck. We took him to the vet and they thought possibly it was a tumor, but if it didnt grow we were in good shape. If it did it was most likely a fast growing cancer. They want thousands of dollars to put him in radiation and surgery and all that. We simply can't afford that. Is there anything we could do to make him more comfortable. It seems to have grown quite a bit in the last few weeks and is beginning to itch a lot. Any ideas?

[luvmycat]

Did you get a second opinion? I hate that all these tests cost so much money, it is so unfair...the testing should be more reasonable, especially since the treatments cost so bloody much! It could be a cyst, an allergic reaction, any number of things which could be easily and inexpensively treated... Before you freak completely, I would say check with at least one more vet...you guys are in my prayers!

[dogpaw]

Have they done a biopsy? If not then how does the vet know for sure what it is? I agree, I would get a second opinion.

Best of luck!

[ShelbyGirl1]

A biopsy does not cost that much. At least you would know what you were dealing with.

[cleosmom]

Originally Posted by dogpaw

Have they done a biopsy? If not then how does the vet know for sure what it is? I agree, I would get a second opinion.

Best of luck!

I was wondering that very same thing.

[ShelbyGirl1]

I'm guessing because of the rapid growth, they surmised cancer, but a biopsy still should be done.

[Woof Woof Woof!]

You could have a biopsy done to determine what type of cancer.

I'm not big on putting a dog through radiation treatments only because it can cost a lot of money and it usually doesn't extend their lives by that much.

But you may want to do the biopsy or take him to another vet.

At least find out what type of cancer it is.