Question:
My 11-year-old Maltese has cancer on her inner back leg. It is starting to get quite large — it’s the size of a tennis ball and now is developing blisters. Is there anything we can do to make this less irritating for her? I am really worried. The blisters are starting to burst. The cancer grew very quickly. The vet said we can’t help her, but what can we do to make her more comfortable in her last few months?
Kristen
Answer:
When we say cancer, we think of malignant growths, but a tumour is simply a lump and can be benign or malignant. Without taking a biopsy to look at the histopathology of the lump it is impossible to accurately predict what the prognosis will be. Obviously it is better to know what you are dealing with, so finding out the type of tumour would be helpful.
Then you can discuss treatments. Surgery may be an option, or chemotherapy; even radiation is available to pets through specialist centres. You need to discuss all options with your vet and maybe ask for a referral to a specialist to discuss more advanced treatments, risks, costs and likelihood of success.
Often when tumours grow very fast (which can indicate an aggressive nature), the blood supply can’t keep up with the rate of growth and the central tissues die off, causing infection and ulceration as you describe. Sometimes antibiotics and anti-inflammatory treatments can help, but only in the short term.
This is all you can do if you do not get a diagnosis about the sort of cancer you are dealing with. Apart from that, pain relief when needed and most importantly, lots of TLC. Pets are very brave but they need to feel safe and secure when they are ill, just like us. All the best and enjoy every moment you can with her.
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