Best course of action for canine pheochromocytoma in 13 yo lab mix

[HeatherLeigh422]

My vet believes my dog has pheochromocytoma. He has had diarrhea for most of the last 3 months, has a tumor on one of his adrenal glands, decreased appetite and started having tremors 2 days ago. We have already done a number of tests: fecal float, giardia, 2 rounds of blood test, xrays, ultrasound and endoscopy. She suspects pheo based on blood test results and ruling out other conditions. This week we do an ultrasound to see if the tumor has grown so we can understand our options. We discussed surgery being very risky. He is a lab/swissy mix, 13 years old. I am trying to mentally prepare myself for the results; she has already started to talk to me about palliative care. When I look up pheo online, surgery is mentioned as the treatment, but I don't see any mention of how to decide when not to do surgery and just focus on quality of life for the time remaining. I am heart sick but resigned to doing the best thing for my dog. How to I know what that is?

[Dawgsbff]

For those who are currently facing this life or death decision, I wanted to let everyone know that surgery can be SUCCESSFUL against all odds.  My 14 year old boxer/shep-X was undergoing the procedure of removing the tumor when the vet tech said we fear it is a greater risk since it is so close to a major artery. Then he pointedly asked "Do you want us to proceed?"  I searched my heart: the worse case scenario is he passes while asleep without pain, the best case is he comes through and has a chance at life.  Yes, the latter came to be, and our miracle dog is living far past the medical expectancy of 15 months. He is still with us, albeit a bit arthritic, 2 YEARS LATER with the protocol of daily med of Phenoxybenzamine to control BP.   One happy dog!

[HeatherLeigh422]

Yes, high risk because of the elevated BP caused by adrenaline production. And the surgery recovery is major/questionable because of where the adrenal glands are. And his advanced age.

I might be reacting to how surgery is explained as "high risk" but also the only option. Seems to be something missing in what I have read.

[ginger899]

If surgery is the only way to deal with this successfully, then be sure exactly what the risks would be. If the main risk is that your dog may pass away while under the anesthetic, then you might have to scrunch up all your courage, be prepared to say farewell to him, but try also to keep a little hope, for some dogs definitely make it through, even when the odds are set against them. (ie, my mother had a breast cancer mastectomy in her 80's, and the doctors gave her a less than 30% chance of survival of the surgery, but she made it through just fine) -The one thing is that if the worst does happen, he will not feel any pain, he just won't wake up from the anesthetic.
It depends on the nature of the risks.
If the main risks are that after surgery he would be severely impaired in some way, then obviously, palliative care is the only remaining option.

It is only my personal opinion of course, and you have to make this tough decision yourself, but I think I would risk the surgery if that was the only chance of a cure.

I do understand what you are going through, and it is very hard. I hope your dog will be OK. As I said, many do make it through even when the vets think they won't.
My best wishes, to you and your dog. God bless.