How ethical is it to operate on a 14 year old dog with adenocarcinoma of the stomach?

My BF has a 14 year old dog. He has spent almost 3K to find out that he has an adenocarcinoma of the stomach, in the pylorus. His vet doesn't feel comfortable operating, and has referred him to yet another vet (surgical specialist). He was almost at a point to let go and euthanize, and they hold out a little ray of hope to him. His dog is SUFFERING, bleeding out slowly, weak, and whimpering. I bet if my BF said he didn't have the money, they'd be making other suggestions! It is so hard for me (I am a surgical nurse, and I know this is a big surgery, and I think the tumor is partially blocking the duodenal opening.) to sit by and say nothing, but I have not offered my opinion at all. He has not asked me for one....but this is crazy! Poor dog, I think. But it is his dog, not mine! What do you think?

He is going to call this specialist this morning......and frankly, I hope they say that with that diagnosis, and at his dog's age, it is not a good idea. My poor BF.....

The best way to treat gastric adenocarcinoma is by surgical removal. There is no medical research showing benefit from chemo or radiation.

In a young dog, the removal of the tumor, surrounding tissues, such a lymph nodes and even with no evidence of the tumor spreading, the prognosis is not good and the tumor will likely return. The average life expectancy after this kind of surgery is usually less than a year.

I don't believe that the vets are acting unethically and just trying to squeeze more money from your boyfriend just because he has the money. More than likely, the vet senses that your boyfriend obviously loves the dog very much and wants to squeeze as much life out of the dog as humanely possible. Vets want to have successful outcomes just as much as their clients do.

Ultimately, it is your boyfriend's dog and decision. I believe it is natural to want to hold on to what we love.There comes a time when trying to "squeeze" more life from a dying dog is cruel. They dog may be obviously ready to 'go', but your boyfriend is not ready to let him 'go' Euthanasia is a selfless act and it is the final act of love and compassion, but your boyfriend is not ready to let him go.....but he will when, in his own mind and heart, he feels that he has done everything humanely possible to prolong the life of his dog.

If this were one of my own beloved dogs, I'd let would allow it to die peacefully and painlessly. In my mind, a few more months would not be worth the painful recovery of surgery.

My own dad had a 15 year old Chihuahua with stomach cancer and he refused to euthanize the dog. He spent over $4,000.00 the last year of the dog's life in an attempt to squeeze more time out of her. Even though I tried to make him face reality, he would not give up or allow the dog to be euthanized.

I suppose everyone handles heartwrenching decision like this differently. You and I see death on a daily basis....perhaps it's easier for us to accept the inevitable.

Since it is your boyfriend's beloved dog, allow him to make the decision and just be there to offer your love and compassion when the time comes.

I'm sorry to hear this :(
I think euthanasia is the best option based on what you've described. Sometimes it's the most humane choice.
Good luck to you all.

I think it's time for your BF to end the dog's suffering. I know he must love the dog, but I don't see spends thousands of dollars on a dog.

Please listen to our vet. I know you don't want to hear this but if your dog is suffering and is this old I think you should put him to sleep.
I had occasion last Jan. my lab was 13 and in pain from cancer and all the surgeries in the world (not to mention the $) would have been in vain.

Please have a heart and put your baby to sleep

Obviously your boyfriend has quite an emotional attachment to the dog, and isn't willing to give it up (physically or emotionally) yet until he has exhausted all possible avenues of care. Although we agree that releasing the dog from its suffering at this point would be the most humane thing to do, the decision is your boyfriend's to make, not yours or the vet's. Support your boyfriend and his decision, no matter what it is, then maybe he can transfer some of his emotional attachment and need to you, and release the dog...

You can offer your opinion, but it probably won't affect his decision and might just make him dig in his heels. You've done well to stand by silently.

I seriously doubt that any ethical vet would do the surgery. Hopefully this specialist will agree with the previous doctor, and the fact that more than one doctor is saying the same thing, might help him to accept his dog's fate and let him go peacefully.

Keep us posted.

I feel for you. I also feel for that poor dog. I know I would do everything possible to help my friend. By that I mean the dog. Help your friend
by finding information about what the dog has.
Maybe if he reads about it he will be able to let go
and then his dog won't suffer any more. As long as there is hope, he doesn't want to give up.

"Ethical"??? That varies according to tribe...lol!
Is it SMART? NO!
Useful?? HEL*NO!!!
"KIND???***NO!!!******

LET IT GO!!! Do NOT FORCE the poor thing to SUFFER any more!!!
That's what *I* call ***SELFISH***!

It is so sad but that is an old dog who has lived out his life. I don't think putting him through stressful, possible painful & difficult surgery is right when he is at the age to let go anyway. I can understand how hard that would be though.