Type of Pet: scottish terrier

Question:
Last february my dog was diagnosed with a growth the size of a dime in her colon near the anus. The vet felt that it was cancer as she was having some rectal bleeding during defecation. We did not elect for surgery because of her age. Now she is bleeding more frequently from the rectum.
What are my options regarding her future treatment?

ANSWER:
Without knowing her age, this will be somewhat difficult to answer. This "tumor" that was diagnosed, your vet would know what "type" this is and what the prognosis is along with specific treatment options (as every form of cancer is different). I suggest going back to your vet for this information. Also, there are several "safe" ways to anesthetise older patients with the proper precautionary evaluation of the medical status of your pet and the availability of specific anesthetic protocols to your vet. I suggest also, staging this particular cancer--finding out what type--malignant vs. benign, where it is likely to metastasise (and how long before metast. usually occurs), and have your vet evaluate the "stage" this tumor is in. This will answer many questions on prognosis and treatment options. If you are not satisfied with your vet, I suggest getting a copy of your records sent to another vet and set up an appt. for a second opinion. Good luck!