Costs and Benefits of Cancer Surgery

Whenever cancer surgery is being considered, you should discuss its costs and benefits with your veterinarian.

Possible Benefits

• Complete cure and a disease-free life

• Reduced pain

• Improved quality of life (even if complete cure is not possible)

• Prolonged life (even if complete cure is not possible)

Possible Costs

• Potential complications of surgery, including infections, bleeding, recurrence of the cancer, and undesirable changes in appearance

• Short- or longterm pain and discomfort

• Loss of normal function in affected limbs or organs (for example, as a result of amputation)