Frequently Asked Questions about Cancer in Pets

Common questions regarding caring for your pet with cancer.

Dog

Diagnosing a Lump on a Dog Question I noticed a lump on my dog's abdomen. I am concerned it could be a tumor, but I am worried about opening a can of worms by finding out. I just don't have the money to have all sorts of tests and treatments. But I feel like I should do something. Erika Krick, VMD, DACVIM Veterinary Medical Oncologist, University of Pennsylvania, responds:
Diagnosing Primary Bone Tumors in Dogs Question Can primary bone cancer in dogs be adequately diagnosed with radiography? Erika Krick, VMD, DACVIM Veterinary Medical Oncologist, University of Pennsylvania, responds: Answer Radiographs can look very suspicious for osteosarcoma, but like with many other cancers, a tissue sample is required to make the diagnosis. Learn more about bone
Is FNA Adequate to Diagnose a Bone Tumor in a Dog? Question Fine needle aspirates obtained from a bony lesion on my dog's front leg came back negative for osteosarcoma. Can I be confident that he doesn't have bone cancer or could he have it and it's not showing up in the test. I don't want to put him through a biopsy if it's not needed? Erika Krick, VMD, DACVIM Veterinary Medical Oncologist,
Diet Needs for Dog Being Treated for Cancer Question My dog is starting on chemo for lymphoma. Do you have suggestions for a diet that might help manage any side effects or keep him from losing weight? Erika Krick, VMD, DACVIM Veterinary Medical Oncologist, University of Pennsylvania, responds: Answer Hill's has a diet for dogs with cancer called n/d that you could discuss with your
Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs Question My dog had a lump biopsied yesterday. My vet thinks it is a mast cell tumor. What can you tell me about mast cell cancers? Erika Krick, VMD, DACVIM Veterinary Medical Oncologist, University of Pennsylvania, responds: Answer The behavior of mast cell tumors can be quite varied. Often staging is recommended after the diagnosis is made,
Cancer Risk in Dogs Question My dog is 12. Is there a certain age when there is greater risk of cancer? Erika Krick, VMD, DACVIM Veterinary Medical Oncologist, University of Pennsylvania, responds: Answer Older dogs in general are at higher risk for cancer, but specific age cutoffs depend on the type of cancer. This question and answer was part of the OncoLink
Ciliary body tumor in a dog Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My dog is only 4 years old. I have learned that my dog has an "epithelial tumor of the ciliary body" in the eye itself, a"ciliary adenocarcinoma". I am concerned about metastatic rate for this type of tumor, and the recommended best way to monitor on a continuing or long-term basis. My local vet suggested a
Treatment options for a dog with osteogenic sarcoma, metastasized to the lungs Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I know that you can't give a medical opinion but I wonder if you could offer any advice? I don't expect a miracle but I need to try to find something that may help - I have a 7-year-old female Rottweiler who has osteogenic sarcoma. She was diagnosed 4 months ago and has had surgery to remove the affected
Treatment Options for a Dog with a Nerve Sheath Tumor Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Recently I was told that my 13-year-old dog had nerve sheath tumor on her front right leg. It is a huge growth that looks like cauliflower. What are the treatments? They said I had an option for amputation, and radiation. She is my world and I hate to see her pain. What other options might I have?
Modifying a Dog's Chemotherapy Protocol Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I wonder what current chemotherapy protocol information is available for canine lymphoma. My dog was diagnosed in March 1999 and put on a chemotherapy protocol. Are there modifications, which can be made to her protocol to account for both her tolerance of the drug and my financial abilities?
Thyroid Cancer in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Would you please direct me to information regarding thyroid cancer in dogs? I appreciate your time and effort. Thank you very much. J Lili Duda, VMD, Editor of the OncoLink Veterinary Oncology Section, responds: Thank you for your interest and your question.
Invasive Scirrhous Carcinoma in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My parents' dog has just been diagnosed with a tumor and a life expectancy of 6 months. The tumor is an invasive scirrhous carcinoma with a predominantly solid pattern of growth. Has anyone out there heard of any "miracle stories" of treatments or alternative medicines that may provide a ray of hope for
Rhinectomy in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My 8-year-old Labrador Retriever had a rhinectomy on due to squamous cell carcinoma. I am very worried about how he will adapt and if there are any particular things I should keep him from doing, like swimming. I would love to hear anything about this procedure. Lili Duda, VMD, Editor
Treatment Options for a Dog with Salivary Gland Tumors Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My 8 1/2 year old Cocker Spaniel (female, spayed) has cancer in her salivary glands. We were told that this is a very uncommon cancer as it is in the glands and is not a sarcoma. Could you possibly ouline a treatment plan? Lili Duda, VMD, Editor of the OncoLink Veterinary
Pancreatic Cancer in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I have a 12-year-old female doberman. She has been diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas with lesions in the liver also. She also has a low level heart condition. These problems have been diagnosed through ultrasound only. A biopsy is not recommended. They have given her 1 to 3 months. Is this an
Treatment Options for Dogs with Nasal Tumors Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My 11-year-old springer spaniel has been diagnosed with a tumor in his sinus. In his case, the vet said radiation therapy would only add about 5 months to his life. Can you give me some direction? Lili Duda, VMD, Editor of the OncoLink Veterinary Oncology Section, responds:
Neurofibrosarcoma in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I am a veterinarian. I have a patient with neurofibrosarcoma. She is a 2-year-old female dog. This diagnosis is new for me, please send me information about this disease. Lili Duda, VMD, Editor of the OncoLink Veterinary Oncology Section, responds: Neurofibrosarcomas are one
Myxosarcomas in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My dog was just diagnosed with myxosarcoma. Could you offer any information on treatment, etc.? Thank you. Lili Duda, VMD, Editor of the OncoLink Veterinary Oncology Section, responds: Myxosarcomas are a type of generally "low grade" soft tissue sarcomas that arise from
Treatment Options For A Dog With Myxofibrosarcoma Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Our dog has been diagnosed with myxofibrosarcoma. Given the tumor's size, location and aggressiveness, and the consequent difficulty of securing a tumor-free margin without extensive penetration into the chest, we are considering palliative care options. This is where the questions arise: The
Monoclonal Antibody Treatment in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Please tell me about the use of Monoclonal Antibody Treatment for treating lymphoma in dogs once remission is achieved. Lili Duda, VMD, Editor of the OncoLink Veterinary Oncology Section, responds: Monoclonal antibody (MAb) therapy (drug name CL/MAb 231, Synbiotics Corporation) is
Treatment Options for Mast Cell Tumor of the Eyelid in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Our 4 1/2 year old mixed breed female dog was recently diagnosed with a small intermediate grade mast cell tumor on her left eyelid. We understand that diagnosis of such a tumor in this location is quite rare. Some of the tumor was removed surgically (when it was presumed to be a cyst). Chest x-rays
Metastatic Hemangiopericytoma in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My female lab (9 yrs. old) was diagnosed with a hemangiopericytoma this past February. Two days prior to the surgery, the vet took a chest x-ray, which identified two small (golf ball size) masses/tumors in separate lobes of the dog's lungs. The vet indicated that given the way the tumors presented they
Multiple Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I have a 5-year-old female Pitbull mix. I took her to the vet about 5 months ago to look at her "warts." She had one on her eye, and forearm. He told me they were just warts, and not to worry. Well, it turns out, they were mast cell tumors. Anyway, she had 13 different little warty things removed, 12
Lymphoblastic Lymphosarcoma in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My six-year-old Terrier mix, has symptoms consistent with your description of lymphoblastic lymphosarcoma. My local vet, who seems suspiciously eager to put my dog to sleep, insists that my dog has nearly zero chance of survival yet has not done a complete staging procedure (only a single biopsy). What
Treatment for Dog with Mammary Gland Tumors Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Recently, I found out that my lab has mammary tumors. Some may be benign some may be cancer. My vet recommended a complete mastectomy. I would like to know what other options are available. Please include any information about the tumors and the breed. Thank you! These are not just pets,
Osteosarcoma in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I have a dog that has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma and I have a choice between full amputation or nothing. I would like to know if I could obtain more information about the procedure described as "Limb Salvage." I am interested in presenting evidence and preferably a procedure to my vet to
Dog Hemangiosarcoma Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My dog, a 13-year-old cocker spaniel, has developed a hemangiosarcoma in his right atrium, which has spread to his right ventricle. We are advised not to do surgery because the cancer is in his heart. In two days, we must decide whether or not we want chemotherapy. Are any of the new treatments in humans
Hemangiopericytoma in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My 12-year-old doberman has been diagnosed with both hemangiopericytoma and mast cell cancer. I find very little information on hemangiopericytoma. This tumor was incompletely removed from a hind leg. What is usual recommended treatment? Would 5-FU be beneficial in this type of cancer? Thanks
Treatment Options for a Dog with Fibrosarcoma Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My 12-year-old doberman has been diagnosed with both hemangiopericytoma and mast cell cancer. I find very little information on hemangiopericytoma. This tumor was incompletely removed from a hind leg. What is usual recommended treatment? Would 5-FU be beneficial in this type of cancer? Thanks
Treatment of Fibrosarcoma in Dogs My dog was just given the results of her biopsy last week from a tumor on the lower jaw (under the bottom back molar) in the soft tissue-- it was fibrosarcoma- and the vet did remove it! My questions are; Why does she need radiation? If the tumor is removed-- why can't we think that the cancer is gone? I would like some information about
Diagnosis of Fibrosarcoma in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," We were notified today that our 7 year old Boston Terrier, has a well differentiated fibrosarcoma located in his back right leg near his knee. We were told that there is moderate to high potential for local recurrence and progression. There is low potential for regional and systemic metastasis.
Epilepsy and Cancer in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My beagle, Sassy, was diagnosed at the age of two with epilepsy. She very recently had an episode where she collapsed, lost the use of her back legs, the reflex in her left eye and several other distressing symptoms. She was taken to an animal emergency room, and then examined by a veterinarian
The Effects of CCNU on Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I would like to get information about an oral chemotherapy drug called "CCNU". I would like to know the pros and cons before giving it to my 10 year old Boxer. She has been diagnosed with a mast cell tumor on the lower part of her hind leg, near the foot. Any information you give me would be greatly
Bladder Cancer in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Our 10 year old Sheltie was just diagnosed with bladder cancer. The tumor appears to be about 1 1/2" and is located near the opening of the urethra. The bladder appears to be abnormally shaped. Could you possibly outline the likely treatment options? Lili Duda, VMD, Editor of the
Treatment for Dogs with Osteosarcoma Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I Would like more information/direction on the topic of bone tumor in a Great Dane. Currently, the only treatment being administered is homeopathic. We are also doing acupuncture. Please help. Thanks LVG Lili Duda, VMD, Editor of the OncoLink Veterinary Oncology Section,
Biopsy Results - Possible Fibrosarcoma in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Our 11-year-old miniature schnauzer recently had a biopsy to remove a mass on his front leg. The diagnosis was: "Poorly differentiated sarcoma, possible fibrosarcoma". The veterinarian has recommended amputation as quickly as possible. This seems so radical since the report was "possible
Treatment Options for a Dog with Adenocarcinoma of the Apocrine Gland Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Our 7-year-old male Westie recently had surgery for adenocarcinoma of the apocrine gland. We were interested in additional information since it is apparently rather rare. Lili Duda, VMD, Editor of the OncoLink Veterinary Oncology Section, responds: Treatment depends in part on the
Anal Sac Cancer in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My dog has been diagnosed with anal sac cancer. What should I expect from his treatment? Thank you, D Lili Duda, VMD, Editor of the OncoLink Veterinary Oncology Section, responds: Dear D., Anal sac adenocarcinomas are tumors arising from the apocrine glands
Recurrent Acanthomatous Epulis Tumor in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Our 10 year old Irish Setter/St. Bernard mix had an Acanthomatous epulis tumor removed from his front right lower gum line. We found that the tumor had regrown extremely rapidly and is now much larger than the original tumor that was removed. It is now the size of a gumball. The original tumor was
Treatment For Dogs With Recurrent Cutaneous Plasmacytomas Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My 6-year-old Flat Coated Retriever has had 2 cutaneous plasmacytomas removed in 3 months. Can you steer me towards suggested treatment? Thank you! Lili Duda, VMD, Editor of the OncoLink Veterinary Oncology Section, responds: Cutaneous plasmacytomas are relatively benign
Chondrosarcoma in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My dog, Kaya, was recently diagnosed with a chondrosarcoma in his left nasal cavity. The tumor extends from the middle of the nose to the ocular socket. There is no bone deterioration present. The oncologist recommended high dosage radiation followed by chemotherapy. My question is regarding
Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My chocolate lab has been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. The tumor is on the front left side of his mouth directly above a tooth. His first diagnosis was a papilloma. It grew back and his last biopsy was determined to be squamous cell carcinoma. Radical surgery to partially remove part of his
Loss of a Dog with Adenocarcinoma Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Last week, I lost my 2.5-year-old chocolate lab to Adeno Carcinoma. We had her since she was 6 weeks old and raised her on a healthy diet. She had three tumors the smallest the size of a softball. This has been a great loss and part of trying to deal with it is getting the big question WHY answered.
Lymphangiosarcoma in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My 6 year old Dalmatian was just diagnosed with cancer. The good news is that what we originally thought was an osteosarcoma turned out to be a soft tissue tumor on the leg (ankle joint). They called this a Lymphangiosarcoma. I caught this early and amputation is the recommended course of treatment. I
Lipomas in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Our German Short-haired Pointer, Sherbet, has a lipoma affecting her left shoulder. It is invasive and has been operated on twice now. I was looking for a bit more information on her condition. I want to know if continued operations are the only way to help her, or if there are other procedures.
Treatment Options for Dog Liposarcoma Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My 7 year old Australian Shepherd has been diagnosed with a liposarcoma on his upper left thigh. The vet could not guarantee good surgical margins with removal of the limb and portion of the pelvic area. Despite the absence of any spread of the disease to other portions of the body, I am reluctant to go
Treatment Options for a Dog Liposarcoma Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My dog has Liposarcoma Grade 2. We had the tumor removed and my vet says to just keep an eye out for more tumors to arise. Is this "laid-back" approach the best way to handle his condition? I just want to do what is best for him. Lili Duda, VMD, Editor of the OncoLink Veterinary Oncology
Dog Lymph Node Biopsy Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My 12-year-old dog is currently being tested for Lymphosarcoma. The lymph nodes are swollen from her throat to the back of her legs. Aspirates were taken a week ago and the pathology came back that there are cells indicative of cancer in the lymph nodes but they aren't actually able to determine which
Synovial cell sarcoma in dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have a 7-year-old German Shepard. He just had swelling on right elbow removed, and biopsy showed synovial sarcoma (grade 1). I'm distressed and don't know what to do. My vet suggested amputating the leg - which I'm not really in favor of. Could you tell me please, what is the best course of action? Is
Salivary Gland Tumors in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My dog as just been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma cancer of the salivary gland. The vet says it is a rare cancer and as not much information on the cancer but says it does not look good for him. Lili Duda, VMD, Editor of the OncoLink Veterinary Oncology Section Menu, replies: Based
Limb salvage in dogs with prior amputation Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," In March of 2000, my beloved canine companion was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. His Right rear leg was amputated, and after 3 months of chemo, we had an amazing survival. Unfortunately, a recent x-ray revealed cancer in the humerus. Because his right rear leg was already amputated, I understand that
Leukeran side effects for dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Our dog is being treated for lymphoma. He is currently taking leukeran along with prednisone. We have noticed some side effects such as confusion, disorientation, excessive drowsiness, muscle spasms, and loss of balance. Could his dosage of leukeran be too high? We asked our vet but they don't link it to the
Treatment of lymphoma in dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My 7-year-old cocker spaniel had a tumor removed from her intestine last week. The path report found a high-grade lymphosarcoma in the tumor but that the nearby node was negative. What are the chemotherapy options for non-metastatic lymphosarcoma in dogs? Lili Duda, VMD, Section Editor of the
Budget chemotherapy for mast cell tumor in dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I foster rescued dogs for a small shelter here in Manhattan. 3 yrs ago, an elderly neighbor adopted a wonderful lab mix male thru me, which has just been diagnosed with mast cell cancer (III). She's quite impoverished and I'm trying to help her with the treatment of her sweet dog. I've had the tumor removed
Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas in dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My dog recently had a biopsy of a growth on his lip/gum and the results were Epitheliotropic Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (Mycosis Fungoides). It has been extremely difficult getting information about this cancer. I am most concerned with the following: I have been told that it is localized now and most likely hasn't
Feldene for dogs with poor renal function Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My dog has been diagnosed with renal carcinoma. It was suggested to use Feldene (piroxicam) to help slow down the progression of the cancer. I have concerns due to the fact that my dog has only one kidney. Her Vet removed the other due to the cancer/tumor. I read in the article that was e-mailed to me that
Herbicides and Lymphoma in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My dog developed lymphosarcoma. I saw articles linking the 2,4-d herbicide chemical to lymphoma in dogs. I realized I used a fertilizer weed control mix that contained this chemical. I only used it once, but she loved to eat the crab grass at the edges. I feel this may have triggered the cancer. Do you think this
Nasal Tumors in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had previously owned 2 dogs, both of which developed nasal/sinus tumors and had to be euthanized. I now have a toy breed, which has very recently developed this severe sneezing. He is only 2 years old. I am very concerned that he also has developed a nasal tumor. Is this type of severe sneezing a symptom of nasal
Metastatic Melanoma in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have just learned that my 3-year-old chocolate lab has melanoma. I thought melanoma was skin cancer, however, hers is between her heart and her lung. I do not understand this. Thank you for any information you can provide. Lili Duda, VMD, Section Editor of the OncoLink Veterinary Oncology Menu,
Palliative Chemotherapy for Liposarcoma in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My Irish Wolfhound was diagnosed a little over a year ago (at age 3) with a very large, very invasive liposarcoma in the left lumbar region, effacing the musculature in this region, eating into several lumbar vertebrae and extending into the abdominal region. She received palliative radiation a year ago and was
BCG for Bladder Tumors in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Do you have any information on using BCG to reduce the size of bladder tumors in dogs? Lili Duda, VMD, Section Editor of the OncoLink Veterinary Oncology Menu, responds:BCG, or bacillus Calmette-Guerin is a bacterial vaccine that is a non-specific immunomodulator--in other words, it generally stimulates the
Leukemia in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Our 9-yr-old dog has been diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia. He is currently on 2 mg/day of Leukeran and 20 mg/day of prednisone. His most recent CBC showed almost normal platelets and hematocrit of 22%. His lymphocytes were originally 100,000, came down to 9,000 after 2 wks on leukeron, but have now
Tonsillar Squamous Cell Cancer in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have 8-yr-old English Springer spaniel that was just diagnosed with anaplastic tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma with metastasis to a submandibular lymph node. Can you send me info regarding this disease, and if there is any form of radiation or other therapy? Lili Duda, VMD, Section Editor of the OncoLink
Eliminate Dietary Fiber From A Dog with Sarcoma? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," In researching info about my dog's sarcoma and his care, most experts recommend eliminating grains from his diet. Most quality dog foods do not have much fiber. How can I add additional fiber to his diet without also using cheaper foods containing peanut hulls? Lili Duda, VMD, Section Editor of the OncoLink
Diarrhea in a Dog on Cancer Therapy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My Labrador has been diagnosed with lymphosarcoma in the lower colon area and is undergoing chemotherapy treatments. However, she is experiencing chronic diarrhea. We hope the cause is the chemotherapy, however Imodium has not worked. I have read that Lomotil has been successful with dogs in this situation. Our
Tumor Recurrence in Dogs Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Ten weeks ago my 4 year old male golden retriever had a tumor removed from his paw. Biopsy stated benign subungual keratoacanthoma. Xray taken during surgery showed no bone involvement. The incision healed well, no infection or post-op problems. The tumor is growing back at the same place. Is this unusual? Could it
Kidney Cancer in a Dog Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My four-year-old black lab had her left kidney removed due to an abnormality on ultrasound, and at the time of surgery, a 3 cm tumor was found with pathology revealing a renal papillary adenocarcinoma. Radiographs were taken prior to surgery showing no apparent spread of the cancer, and she has showed 100%
Lung Cancer in a Dog Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My 3-year-old Australian healer has been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in the lung. What does this mean exactly, and what are the survival rates? Lili Duda, VMD, Section Editor of the OncoLink Veterinary Oncology Menu, responds:Primary lung tumors in dogs, or tumors that arise directly from the lung
Vaccinations in Dogs with Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My 8-year-old cocker spaniel was diagnosed with Epitheliotropic Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in February of this year, following a biopsy of a small lump on his lip. We declined chemotherapy after the vet advised that few dogs survived and that he may only live for around 3 months. Eight months later, he is healthy
Mycosis Fungoides in a Dog Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Our Bernese Mountain Dog was diagnosed with cutaneous lymphoma or Mycosis Fungoides. We are not sure that stage yet, but he has scabs on 3 of his 4 paws and his left eye is significantly affected. As this diagnosis was only given to us today, I am doing research to determine the best course of therapy. Lili Duda,
Spinal Tumor in a Dog Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My 5 year-old Golden Retriever became suddenly unable to control his back legs. A neurosurgeon did an MRI and told us he saw what looked like a tumor in his spinal column starting to press on his spinal cord. He gave him 20 mg of prednisone twice a day and recommended we put him down. He's 90% better on the
Which Canine Breeds Get Cancer? Question Do certain breeds of dogs get cancer more often? Do they have genetic tests like the ones used in people (BRCA, etc.)? Erika Krick, VMD, DACVIM Veterinary Medical Oncologist, University of Pennsylvania, responds: Answer Some breeds of dogs are predisposed to certain types of cancer. For example, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, German
Considering Surgery for Sarcoma Question My dog has a soft tissue sarcoma just distal to his stifle. It is about the size of the end of your small finger. I am concerned about having surgery and not getting all the margins...is surgery the best option? Lili Duda, VMD, MBE, DACVR Veterinary Radiation Oncologist- University of Pennsylvania, responds: Answer When considering