Soft Tissue Sarcoma on leg

Hello, My 15 year old Germain Shorthair Pointer had a soft tissue tumor removed on his leg.  The vet who I trust said it was risky due to lack of skin but it was a success.  It came back pretty quickly though.  He is doing fine with it but recently it ulcerated and the vet said at his age and the recurrence he wouldn't do surgery again.  He said the ulcerated part that bleeds a lot would not heal.  He said putting him down is the best option.  IS there any way to heal the ulcerated part?  He is eating and still seems happy.  Right now we are keeping it cleaned and wrapped in gauze.  Thanks!!!

Hello!  It sounds as though a soft tissue sarcoma (diagnosed) was removed from a leg, the surgery was touch-and-go but successful in buying more time, but unfortunately the lump has regrown and now ulcerated.  It sounds as though your vet, who knows the case, does not feel it appropriate to attempt either a second removal, chemotherapy or amputation.  You ask whether we think the ulcer will heal. Obviously I do not know your dog.   I am in no position to give a second opinion on a case I have never seen the lab report for, let alone the pet.  I do know that cancerous cells reproduce rapidly but often don't have the fabulous healing capacity of normal skin cells.  I have certainly seen non-healing ulcers on cancerous lumps in their later stages, particularly if they are prone to pressure from inside or out. If you would like a reliable second opinion, ask your vet to show you the pathologists report - if one exists - or to call and get a second opinion from their own pathologist if one doesn't.  These people sit in the laboratory, receiving samples exactly like your pointer's all day long, logging data and trying to evaluate them in terms of 'what will happen next.'  They will have experience of similar cases, perhaps from all over the country and may point your vet to past studies that have been done.  Alternatively, referral centres or even more experienced vets at the same practice can provide formal or informal second opinions.  However, if you would like a second opinion, we would advise getting one soon because skin ulcers, especially full-thickness ones, can be sore and your dogs' current pain / comfort levels have to be taken into account.     Wishing both of you all the best.

As an adjunct to what I last wrote, having reread your post a few times more, it is possible that in your grief, the information that you asked for is not the information that you are seeking.  It sounds as if your vet will have already removed the lump once, already given an option to seek a pathologists' advice and, if you chose that, may have already relayed it to you.  Just in case it is of help, I have enclosed some links from our blog and one or two different places on the Internet, about the process and timing of euthanasia.  There is never a right time to say goodbye to a loved family member.  Once again, wishing you all the best for whatever follows.

1. How do we know when it is the right time.....?    https://vethelpdirect.com/vetblog/2020/05/30/how-do-we-know-when-is-it-time-to-put-our-pet-to-sleep/   2.  How are dogs euthanased?  (and what should be considered) https://vethelpdirect.com/vetblog/2022/01/08/how-are-dogs-euthanased/#h-at-what-point-should-euthanasia-be-considered   3.  The Ralph Site (a group founded by a veterinary surgeon who found it difficult to recover after his own cat, Ralph, was put to sleep.  Provides support for owners throughout the process)   https://www.theralphsite.com/

Finally, having bombarded you with facts and resources, I am sorry that you find and your dog find yourselves at this point.  It is one of the most difficult stages of the journey;  it often feels as there is no right answer.  We are thinking of you.

Hello, Thank you so much for your reply.  The facts you provided helped a lot.  I understand you do not know the case or the dog but truly appreciate your advice.  You are 100% right hearing that I may have to put him down is not what I wanted to hear.  I guess I was reaching for anything else that may buy a little more time.  The bleeding is controllable but not healing.  I do trust my vet and I don't fault him for saying that.  I have trusted him for many years so I was looking for a long shot that maybe someone found something to help, but again I do know the reality, unfortunately.  Thank you again for taking the time to provide me with the information you did.  Take Care! Nick