re: Dog has cancer

Hello latx,

Disclaimer: this is not official veterinary advice, just suggestions

has your vet done a chest radiograph and if so what did it show? if they did not, they really should. my second step would be to do a lymph node aspirate and histopathology and cytology of the nodes closes to the tumor.

distal (far part) limb melonoma can be quite aggressive. if it had spread to other areas already i would recommend just having a good time with your beloved pup and call it when it needs to be called.

if it has not spread to other areas then i would recommend limb amputation. You said they recommend paw, personally i would not do that and remove the entire limb. I know that seems pretty radically but animals get along just fine quickly with loss of limb. it ensures you get everything that may have tumor cells.

As far as long term survival, if it is completely removed the animal will be essential that same as before. her/his life expectancy wouldnt change. ive seen pugs that are 20 years old.

What ever decision you make, just remember its not a wrong decision, just the decision you decided. Do what you think is best for your pup.

edit: If you do decide to go forward with perusing treatment, id suggest getting a referral to a specialist in your area or LSU. Keep in mind, LSU wont be cheap. I find it unsettling your current DVM is suggesting teeth cleaning and other BS in face of a more dramatic health issue.