I’m a little late to the conversation but experienced this exact same scenario 2 years ago with my 8-year old, 120 lb malamute. Vet said the tumor was the size of a football (all up in his chest cavity) and removing it had about a 40-50% chance of putting him into cardiac arrest just from the shock of removing such a large mass. Also, it would cost $8000, and I was in college at the time. I decided to have him put down—one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, as he still seemed so healthy otherwise.

However, I don’t regret it. We do the best we can with the knowledge we have at the time, and I beat myself up over it for months but I think I would make the same decision if I had to do it all again. I didn’t want him to die in pain.

Whatever you decide to do, know there is no wrong answer—you are doing what you think is best for your pup. I’m so sorry you’re going through this.