A Very Large Lump in a Dog Too Ill for Surgery

I'm sorry you're facing this. When kidney failure makes anesthesia risky, the focus shifts to keeping her comfortable and mobile. Many very large, slow-growing lumps in older dogs are fatty tumors (lipomas), which are benign but can get heavy enough to get in the way of walking. Other growths can look the same, so if it has not been tested, a quick needle sample without anesthesia can tell you what it is.

Ask your vet whether surgery could be reconsidered with special precautions, such as fluids before and after, careful choice of anesthesia and close monitoring, or whether a shorter procedure with sedation and local numbing could reduce the size. Some vets can also refer you to a specialist hospital, which may manage the risk better.

At home, use soft bedding, non-slip rugs and a harness or sling to help her move, and check the skin over the lump for sores. Ask your vet about safe pain relief, because some common pain medicines are not safe with kidney disease. If cost is a worry, ask your vet about a payment plan, or look for a low-cost clinic, humane society clinic or veterinary school near you.

See fatty lumps in dogs and kidney failure in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.