11 year old Shih-Tzu with tumor (vet, surgery, infection, breeds)

[firesign21]

I have an 11 year old Shih-Tzu that has a large fatty tumor resting along side if his penis. At age 8 the tumor was removed but now it has grown back and doubled in size. Our Vet does not want to perform surgery again due to our dog's age. Unfortunately our dogs has had a few accidents in the house(a behavior that he has NEVER exhibited before). I am concerned that this tumor is responsible somehow for the mishaps in the house. Help!

[Honeycrisp]

Maybe would take him for a 2nd opinion. These days 11 isn't that old for a senior dog, esp. a toy, if he's in good health otherwise. Would be concerned about the anesthesia etc and would want to make sure the vet is familiar w/ brachycephalic breeds and uses isofluorane but it might be a good idea to get that 2nd opinion, maybe they could even do a quick dental at the same time, while he's out (if he hasnt had one in a while). It's a tough call though.

[Va-Cat]

I'm going to assume that your vet has already taken a biopsy of the "new" growth and ruled out cancer. If it is a "fatty tumor" I doubt it would be the cause of your dog's accidents. You should speak with your vet and they will probably have you bring in a urine sample for testing. I'm guessing it could be a bladder infection but your vet is the one that can tell you for sure. Also....as dogs get older, a lot of times they are not able to hold their bladder as long as they could when they were younger (happens to all of us). I suggest you give your vet a call. Good luck!