Our dog Ben, is 11 years old. He is getting old, and is overweight. He weighs 65 lbs.
He started coughing about a year ago, after we left him at a kennel for 3 days, while we were away. First thought was kennel cough. The vets discounted this, and said it may be his trachea, being crushed, from the fat around his neck.
He has been on pills the past year, to control this coughing.
He had xrays a year ago, and there was a dark area in his lungs. The vet explained this was due to old age, and not to worry about it. Just an area where the lung has "died", but he is fine. He has a very strong heart, and he is very strong.
This week, he was supposed to go in, and have the vet "scrape" his throat, to determine any problems with his coughing, and see what problems he had in his throat.
Yesterday, the vet was closed, so we took him to a previous vet, who was further away. This vet took an xray, and showed us a growth in his lung, about 1/3 of the size of his lung. Chances are this is malignant. Tests are being done now, without opening him up.
Our options, at this point, is to go full steam ahead for surgery, to remove the growth, or do everything possible to make him comfortable, and find medication to reduce, or stop the growth of this tumor.
We have not been given an estimate yet, of how long the vet thinks he has left.
There were times a year ago, when he was having problems, and we didn't think he would make it through Christmas 99. He made that fine, and has had a fairly good year.
I would not want to have surgery done, if the chances of making it through the surgery were not good, or if his recovery will be the length of time, estimated that he has left.
I would much rather give him the best time possible during his time with us, than make him suffer.
Ben has had a very good life. Always indoors, sleeps where he wants. Taken to the park twice a day. Eats chicken breast for dinner.
He has also been on Rimadyl and Prednisone, for portions of his life, for arthritis, and many allergy problems. I understand that Pred is suspect with tumors.
I am in search of any and all suggestions for alternative methods of making his time as easy as possible, here with us.
Homeopathy recommendations are welcome!
Is there anything to reduce, or stop the growth of this, and possible other tumors.
Thank you for your time.

RB