Okay dog peeps, I can use some assistance. One of my dogs (10-12 year old, female, border collie mix) was diagnosed with a mass in the area of her anal gland. Her blood panel showed only low thyroid - a specific T4/TSH test was not done yet. The low thyroid may be due to the mass and is the least of her problems at this point. I mention this only because all other blood work was normal. She's a good candidate for surgery.
The vet has provided me with estimates for removal of the mass ($1,265) and staging in the form of digital radiographs of the chest to rule out tumors in the lungs and an ultrasound of her abdomen and lymph nodes to rule out tumors spreading in those areas ($659). I'm told the ultrasound would be done by a specialist who has equipment with sufficient sensitivity to detect tumors in the lymph nodes.
If you have experience with these sorts of surgeries and procedures and live in Idaho or surrounding states, please let me know what you would expect to pay and who you recommend, including phone numbers. I am willing to travel out of state to have the procedures done if the vet is recommended and costs are lower. While it may sound odd, humans shop around for better surgeons or more affordable health care providers all the time. I see no reason to do this only for myself.
The vet has provided me with estimates for removal of the mass ($1,265) and staging in the form of digital radiographs of the chest to rule out tumors in the lungs and an ultrasound of her abdomen and lymph nodes to rule out tumors spreading in those areas ($659). I'm told the ultrasound would be done by a specialist who has equipment with sufficient sensitivity to detect tumors in the lymph nodes.
If you have experience with these sorts of surgeries and procedures and live in Idaho or surrounding states, please let me know what you would expect to pay and who you recommend, including phone numbers. I am willing to travel out of state to have the procedures done if the vet is recommended and costs are lower. While it may sound odd, humans shop around for better surgeons or more affordable health care providers all the time. I see no reason to do this only for myself.
