[dralionagogo]

Recently I rescued an Am Staff who showed up in my backyard in poor condition. We had her vetted and scheduled an appointment to be spayed and microchipped {which was a month off b/c everyone is so overbooked here right now}.

About a week before her spay surgery, we discovered a tiny tumor on her belly. Got her to the vet where we were told it was a breast tumor and should we remove it, it would have to come off during her spay surgery.

Of course we want it removed - and biopsied. Call the clinic, but they're not equipped for this, and they suggest we go through our usual vet. Our vet is able to squeeze us in about three weeks later.

Right before her spay/tumor removal surgery, she goes into heat. I should also mention that she was obviously used as a breeder and is about 4 years old. Call the vet to let them know she's in heat and ask if they'll still do the surgery, to which they say they won't. Nor will they do it for three weeks following her heat cycle. So it's been pushed back again until Feb 20.

What I'm concerned about is this tumor. It's still very small, but has grown about 3 times in size since we found it about a month ago. About the size of a pea with a smaller nodule on it. Our vet said if she takes a turn for the worse, let them know and we'll figure something out.

We don't know if it's the cold weather, but she does sleep more...she's always slept a lot though. She's still very underweight and has only gained a pound since we found her. Putting weight on has proved very difficult, though she's eating Wellness Core with two peanut buttery Kongs a day and plenty of treats all day long, plus half a can of A/D in addition to her second meal of kibble. Our vet thinks this is more attributed to very high metabolism that should slow down once she's spayed.

When she's awake, she's spunky and happy and overall seems to be in good health.

Is it more dangerous to have her spayed during her heat cycle, to put her under anesthesia twice so soon just to have the tumor removed now, or to wait another month letting the tumor develop more?

Also, would it be beneficial to go ahead and put her on anti-cancerous supplements such as medicinal mushrooms in a dog formula just in case?

[lulusmom]

Originally Posted by dralionagogo

Is it more dangerous to have her spayed during her heat cycle, to put her under anesthesia twice so soon just to have the tumor removed now, or to wait another month letting the tumor develop more?

Yes, it is more dangerous. The sex organs are engorged with blood so there is a definite increased risk of hemorrhage. I wouldn't want to anesthetize my dog twice if not absolutely necessary but if my vet felt the benefits of removing the tumor outweighed the risks of spaying, and I had the money to pay for two surgeries, I'd probably go with the vet's recommendations. Did your vet discuss options with you?

[dralionagogo]

No options, she just said no to the surgeries once Juno went into heat. The thing is, Juno is only a foster. She has a high prey drive and I rescue cats, six in the house - which is dangerous with her around. She has a family waiting to adopt her when their house is finished with renovations, so once the home is ready (in a week or two) she has to go with them. I'm still taking her to her spay/tumor surgery, but am nervous of the prospect of cancer, as is this family. They want to adopt her regardless, but we'd like to know if we're in the clear or if we need to start treatment.