Dog Tumor Removal: Cost and How Vets Remove Dog Tumors

Finding a tumor on your dog—or being told that your dog needs surgery to remove one—can be scary, but with preparation and a clear understanding of what you and your dog will face in the upcoming days to weeks, you can quiet those fears and set you both up for success. 

In this article, you’ll learn what tumor removal in dogs entails, the risks and benefits, potential costs, and how to care for your pup throughout.   

What Is a Dog Tumor Removal?

Tumors are abnormal growths of cells and can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). They can occur anywhere on the body. Because they may pose a health risk, they are often removed. 

Tumors are commonly removed via surgery performed in a veterinary hospital. This is done for many types of tumors—benign ones like sebaceous adenomas and skin tags, as well as malignant tumors like sarcomas and adenocarcinomas.   

A tumor worth removing is a tumor worth knowing. Submitting tissue for further testing (histopathology) confirms whether it’s benign or malignant and whether it was entirely removed (excised).  

As such, all removed tumors should be submitted for histopathology. 

How Does a Dog Tumor Removal Work?

Tumors are typically removed surgically under general anesthesia in a sterile environment.  

Depending on the tumor type and location, a wide incision is made with a scalpel around the mass, and the underlying tissues are dissected or removed. The mass itself is then removed. Any blood vessels that have been transected are ligated (tied off).  

Once the mass is removed, the tissue layers are sutured back together.  

Why Would a Dog Need a Tumor Removed?

Some of the most common reasons to remove a mass from a dog include:  

• The tumor poses a health risk 

• The tumor causes pain or discomfort 

• The tumor interferes with normal behaviors (such as walking, running, or eating) 

• The tumor has a significant cosmetic (appearance) impact.  

• The tumor becomes infected, bleeds, or is inadvertently cut during grooming 

• The tumor has become a source of self-trauma  

Risks of a Dog Tumor Removal

Though uncommon, possible complications of tumor removal include:  

• Hemorrhage (loss of too much blood) 

• Wound-healing problems (postoperative swelling, bruising, infection) 

• Tumor regrowth 

• Incomplete removal 

• Impaired function (for example, a dog’s ability to walk may be affected depending on location of the tumor) 

• Anesthesia-related complications, including, rarely, death  

Cancerous cases require follow-up with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or another procedure based on the histopathology results.   

Risk and success rates depend on the tumor type.  

For instance, in a study of 75 dogs undergoing removal of soft-tissue sarcomas, 15% had tumors recur locally. Another study found that even within a single tumor type (mast cell tumor) removal, variability of success rates, noted as complete removal, differed substantially (42–91%).   

Benefits of a Dog Tumor Removal

The primary benefit of removing a dog tumor is improving a pet’s long-term quality of life and reducing serious health risks.  

Tumor removal may also help restore function. For instance, an ulcerated oral tumor can be painful and may cause recurrent infection or make eating difficult; removal can relieve the dog’s pain and help them eat comfortably again.  

Another benefit is the prevention of future problems. A tumor that is small or seems inconsequential at the time of diagnosis can become larger or more invasive over time. 

Effectiveness of a Dog Tumor Removal 

Complete surgical removal is effective—provided the entire mass is removed.  

This can be challenging if tumor cells extend beyond what’s visible. In such cases, additional surgery and/or radiation or chemotherapy may be recommended.  

Some masses with microscopic tumor cells will regrow; the timing of regrowth is variable and may range from months to years.  

Cost of a Dog Tumor Removal

Benign tumors are often (but not always) easier and quicker to remove than malignant ones and therefore may cost less to remove.  

Larger or more invasive masses, or those in challenging locations (for example, lower on the limb, armpit, or rectum), are generally more expensive.  

Factors influencing cost include size, location, and type of mass; generally, you could expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $1,800 or more.  

Speak with your vet about financial assistance options, such as ScratchPay, CareCredit, or clinic payment plans.  

If your dog is insured, review the coverage details to see whether the procedure is covered partially or fully. 

Preparation for a Dog Tumor Removal

Before surgery, your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination and diagnostic/staging workup, which includes:  

• Blood work 

• Imaging (CT scan, MRI, X-ray) 

• Looking for any additional disease that may need to be addressed prior to surgery  

• Planning anesthesia and surgery 

Staging evaluates the extent of the tumor spread, if at all, and often includes cytology of the local lymph nodes, chest and abdominal radiographs, and/or ultrasound.   

Your vet will provide specific instructions for you to follow the evening before and morning of the procedure, typically including an eight to 12-hour fast. Water can typically be given until the car ride to the veterinary hospital. 

Some medications may need to be paused temporarily or even days leading up to the procedure; be sure to confirm with your vet. 

Post-Op Care and Recovery for a Dog Tumor Removal

Most dogs recover well and are rechecked in two weeks for evaluation and suture removal.  

During the first 24–48 hours after surgery, many dogs are groggy.  

Pain, anti-inflammatory, and (when indicated) antibiotic medications are commonly prescribed. Dosing and instructions for how to administer and how often will be discussed at the time of discharge.  

Your dog will also receive a recovery cone, which is critical to prevent licking or chewing at the incision site and should be worn at all times during their recovery period.   

While healing, keep your dog in a comfortable area away from heavy foot traffic or interaction with small children and other animals.  

Provide a cozy dog bed, fresh water, and their typical, high-quality diet.   

Also, while healing, your dog should be placed on crate-rest—meaning their activity is restricted to being leash-walked outside only for elimination, and no running, jumping, or rough playing.   

Check the incision daily to ensure it’s healing normally and to watch for signs of infection, such as:  

• Redness 

• Heat 

• Odor 

• Discharge 

• Swelling 

Also, make sure the stitches remain intact. Most veterinarians recommend keeping the incision dry (no bathing) until clear.  

Alternatives to a Dog Tumor Removal

For some masses, the following may be alternatives to dog tumor mass removal surgery:  

• Radiation therapy 

• Chemotherapy 

• Carbon dioxide laser 

• Cryotherapy (the use of cold temperatures to freeze off/destroy the tumor) 

Stelfonta (tigilanol tiglate) injections are FDA-approved as a nonsurgical option for certain mast cell tumors that haven’t spread to other organs.   

If the tumor is not removed, monitor it closely and document size, shape, appearance, discomfort, and any impact on normal behaviors. Discuss any noticeable changes with your veterinarian.