Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 7/5/2005

Question
You have helped so much with Mac so here I am again.Mac is now about 9/10 yrs. He has little tumors on his back, etc. which I have had removed. Developed tumor inside left ear. Went to Vet with scope & laser  Had it removed. It has now grown back and is getting painful. Do not want to put him thru ear canal removal which has been advised, if I can help it.  Is developing some other health problems.  What do you think?

Answer
Sometimes, we do not get all of the tumor out with the laser and it can come back. I often re-laser these when that happens. There is a procedure where the lateral wall of the ear canal is removed to access the base of the tumor, which helps insure that we can get it all out.