I have a 14 year old patterdale terrier and i think she has cancer as i can feel about 4 different lumps in her below her stomach the thing is my mum doesnt want to take her to the vets as if she does they will put her to sleep and it will breaks my brothers heart but she acts really healthy and she doesnt seem ill what should i do

having lumps does not mean cancer! It could be cysts or many other things. Best bet take dog to vet,worring what it might be is not good for you or the dog. Good luck. Just like to add have a dog with about 8 harmless lumps.

Hi kerrie Iwould take your dog to the vets. Let us know how she goes on. Good luck

Take her to the vet then you will know. Even if it is cancer, if she's doing fine as you say she is she won't be put to sleep. It's the down side of owning a dog I'm afraid and you & your family have to do the best you can for her and face up to the fact that she won't be there for ever. Sorry if I sound harsh, but you wouldn't want her to suffer would you? Hope she's with you & enjoying life for a good while yet.

I know how you feel, as I went through this three years ago with my girl.  The lumps were all removed and turned out to be cystic - she's been fine ever since!  The sooner you know, and the quicker it can be dealt with, then sooner she can be recovering....

Take her to the vets, for a check up. I hope everything works out ok, fingers crossed for you & the dog.

Hi Kerrie

I feel your Mum is right, if the lumps are not bothering her then leave them alone. I don't know how old you are (don't tell me) and do not want to upset you but if the lumps are cancerous then she will die at some point, and as a currently healthly 14 year old it may hasten things along.  If they are not cancerous then she would have lived anyway and there is no point in putting her though an unnecessary operation.  Just get your vet to check them when you go along for her annual booster unless she gets ill in the meantime.

This is my (non medical) opinion only and based on losing my dogs soon after cancer operations.

I (& probably others) wasn't for a moment suggesting that a 14yr old should be subjected to an operation. A visit to the vet would either reassure or at least prepare the owners for the future.