need some advice please please please

I have a 8 year old english bulldog named Snoopy. He is overall in really really good shape however we were just told that he has a non cancerous tumor in his spleen. I really really dont want to operate and I was told the acuputure and a raw food diet could help. How long can he live w out an operation and will this get painful for him. Is there any food that can help his bloating? He is a little slower but still playful and protective of his bones from his sister. What should I do I am so confused.

[ginger899]

Non-cancerous. That is very good news.
But all isn't ok. Even a benign growth in the spleen COULD rupture or cause hemorrage.
Please may I ask -what is the reason you feel unsure about going for the surgery to remove the tumor? If his general health and condition is good, he may do very well with surgery. And for a benign growth, surgery IS a complete cure.

[lashayna]

Well to have a few reasons. First 8 yrs old is old for a english bulldog and I by asking around people say that even if we do remove the spleen other problems can occur. Second It will cost around $4k and I am not even sure if he will survive. So I dont know. So confused I love my boy so much.

[ginger899]

I understand. It is very difficult to know what to do for the best under the circumstances. I think sometimes we have to hold on and hope, and cross fingers. Of course there IS a chance he will hang on in there without any serious complications.
No alternative treatments are going to take the tumor away. We know that. But of course there are many ways of managing any problems which might occur, so long as they are not life-threatening issues.

I feel very unstable about my dog at the moment, though she appears to be in fine health. She has been diagnosed with very early-stage kidney failure. She has been doing exceptionally well for her age (14) and behaves like a dog half her age at least. Her general condition is not that of a 14 year old dog. But I am scared she might develop something which would require surgery. Under normal circumstances I would opt for the surgery of course, but with her kidney situation I know surgery wouldn't work.....It is quite worrying if I think about it.

[lashayna]

Awww I am so sorry to hear about your puppy. I will keep you and him in my prayers and thoughts. As for snoopy he is doing ok he is still veru happy and plays and fights with his sister however see him slowing down. I am not sure if I should continue to walking him or if it to painful for him. Grrr I just wish my vet would at least answer questions without charging me. Oh well.