Surgery for an elderly dog

Hi there, My dog had an operation for an eye ulcer when she was 12. She’s a Staffy weighing about 66 lbs (around 4 stone 10), so 12 is getting on a bit for the breed. When the vet first mentioned the surgery, I had the exact same worries... but she told me that age isn’t necessarily a risk factor; it all depends on their general health, their heart, and so on. My girl had her operation without any issues. Sometimes, yes, it is risky to have your dog operated on, but it’s often even riskier to do nothing at all. If your vet thinks it’s the best thing to do, trust their judgement! The fact that your pooch is a senior doesn't have to be a problem =)

Evening all, every dog is different and doesn't react the same way to an anaesthetic... I’ve had my own dog operated on at 15, and then a second operation at 16, and I can tell you I was terrified both times... purely because he was an old boy!!!! These operations were necessary and he was only under for a very short time, but you still get those nagging doubts... my vet reassured me but also explained that there’s a risk with every anaesthetic... but that risk is there at any age!!! My dog had an inoperable brain tumour, but if there had been any chance of operating, I’d have done it in a heartbeat..... (the brain tumour was found at 15 and a half, and he lived for another 3 years thanks to my vet..... passed away at 18 and a half 🤧)