54. An old Golden Retriever has a fast-growing ear tumour. What to do?

Oct 19, 2015 I got an email today. Dear Judy, Thank you for taking time off your busy schedule to look at this email. I am writing to understand about the possible procedure that can be administered on my golden retriever. He is a 11 year old boy and has got a large cyst/growth on his right head, near to the ear area (3cm In diameter). I understand from another vet that his condition will require him going through GA and he might not wake up due to his age. Therefore the vet suggested us to not do anything. However, the growth has been growing day by day and it is a worrying scene. I am hoping that you guys can assist to see if there are any possible medical treatment for him. Please see attached photographs for his Cyst/growth.

-------------------------------------------- The young man's 12-year-old Golden Retriever has a large growing ear tumour. His family vet said that the dog was too risky to operate when consulted one month ago. "In my experience," he said, "Golden Retrievers live up to 15 year at the most. So risky to operate as the dog may die under anaesthestic." But the ear tumour doubled its size to a fish-ball now. The young man googled "veterinary surgery Singapore" or some words and consulted me. "It is risky if the dog is in poor health," I said. "If not, short surgeries are safe. Have you done as blood test?" "Yes," he said. "One year ago by this vet. Nothing abnormal." There is no guarantee of no-death anaesthesia in old dogs. So, he has to decide. "Presently, the ear tumour does not bother the dog," he said. "When it grows much bigger and ulcerated," I said. "The irritation and inflammation will cause the flies to buzz onto it and lay eggs forming maggots. The dog will be bothered." He decided on the surgery 2 days later.