Blue Fox 001 Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 My mum's Maltese has been diagnosed with a polyp in one of his ear canals. The vet is suggesting what sounds like a fairly radical surgery where she will go in through the side of his face to exsize (sp) it. I am wondering if anyone else has ever had a dog with this condition, did you have surgery, end results? Mum is going for a second opinion but that vet is 400km away and she's looking for some more info before she goes. The dog is 13 years old and she is concerned about apparently two lots of surgery involved in this procedure. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toohey Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 What problems does it cause him? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Fox 001 Posted January 16, 2008 Author Share Posted January 16, 2008 What problems does it cause him? So far none. The only reason the vet knew it was there was cause he had grass seeds in his ear. Had been staying with friends and when he came home was shaking head, so off to the vet, who removed three grass seeds from the ear and noticed the polyp. Had it not been for the grass seeds no-one would have been any the wiser. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toohey Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 (edited) I'd be leaving it there in that case, and just pay strict attention to ear hygiene in the future JMO. it would have been the grass seeds worrying him, most likely not the polyp. Edited January 16, 2008 by Toohey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poodle wrangler Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 Sensible advice from Toohey. With anything vet or medical remember just because it CAN be done, doesn't mean it SHOULD be . If it was a cancerous polyp in the ear, is it likely to be curable with surgery? Would the surgery need to take out a lot of other tissue and leave the dog disfigured/ in chronic pain? What's the cost? Not everyone can afford many thousands and the risk of complications is much higher in an older dog. Blood tests can run into hundreds alone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Fox 001 Posted January 16, 2008 Author Share Posted January 16, 2008 I think that's what she's leaning towards - just leaving it, but she is not sure of the ramifications of that either. The vet today wasn't sure how long it was likely to have been there, and hence how fast it was growing. Our family vet is now quite a way away, but just to be sure I think Mum is going to make the trip before she decides either way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Fox 001 Posted January 16, 2008 Author Share Posted January 16, 2008 Sensible advice from Toohey. With anything vet or medical remember just because it CAN be done, doesn't mean it SHOULD be . If it was a cancerous polyp in the ear, is it likely to be curable with surgery? Would the surgery need to take out a lot of other tissue and leave the dog disfigured/ in chronic pain? What's the cost? Not everyone can afford many thousands and the risk of complications is much higher in an older dog. Blood tests can run into hundreds alone. See that's another thing I'm a bit miffed by - if the vet could see it why wouldn't she take a biopsy to confirm what it is? Is it cancerous, just a growth - what exactly is a polyp? I am wary of the surgery beacuse of the location - lots of nerves to be damaged in that location and is it worth the risk? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toohey Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 Polyps are not cancerous, but they can be PRE cancerous. However, this is a 13 year old dog, it is a big operation, there are many risks attached, and it will no doubt be expensive. The other thing to consider is how experienced in aural surgery is the vet who will be doing it? If it is not causing any problems, I really think it best to leave it alone, as even though the surgery may remove the polyp, it may create problems that did not exist intially. Let us know what Mum decides? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Fox 001 Posted January 16, 2008 Author Share Posted January 16, 2008 Polyps are not cancerous, but they can be PRE cancerous. However, this is a 13 year old dog, it is a big operation, there are many risks attached, and it will no doubt be expensive. The other thing to consider is how experienced in aural surgery is the vet who will be doing it?If it is not causing any problems, I really think it best to leave it alone, as even though the surgery may remove the polyp, it may create problems that did not exist intially. Let us know what Mum decides? Thanks for that Toohey. While I don't like to second guess a vet I am inclined to agree with you. Only our family vet would perform the surgery if Mum so decides, we have complete faith in her and even though she has so much experience even she will suggest a specialist if she believes it is necessary. It really is very difficult being in the sticks I will let you know how it goes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogbesotted Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 i second Tooheys comments... if there is no harm then do not take radical actions. H Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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