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Treatment

In some patients, the tumor may regress spontaneously without any treatment. Or your veterinarian may need to surgically excise the mass and begin medical therapy after surgery. If the tumor is benign, that is, not cancerous, a favorable prognosis that allows for a complete cure is generally expected. Your dog's overall well-being will be the deciding factor in how well treatment goes.

Living and Management

The overall prognosis following medical treatment is often excellent in affected patients. The risks are much higher, however, if the tumor is found to be malignant, Anticancer therapy presents many side-effects, especially if used on a long-term basis.

For example, the types of drugs that are used to suppress the growth of the cancerous cells can affect normal cells as well, lessening the protective effects of the immune system and resulting in your dog being at an increased risk of infections, sometimes serious. You will need to maintain a good plan of nutrition to help your dog to recover quickly without complications.

Your veterinarian will set up a follow-up treatment plan for subsequent treatment and routine checkups. The results of the laboratory tests, your dog's response to treatment, and any untoward side-effects related to therapy will guide changes to the treatment plan.