Kelly_Louise Posted November 27, 2010 Share Posted November 27, 2010 (edited) Hi guys, I noticed a lump just behind Sasha's front leg, on her lower rib cage but not totally underneath her. It is kind of like a raised mole would feel like on a human, no movement, quite firm. The skin is a bit of a different colour on it and it's pinky and has hair like normal. I only noticed it yesterday, and it can't have been there for long as I've not noticed it before. It doesn't seem to be bothering her, isn't painful to touch - but it looks like she may have tried to scratch at it as there is an area above it that has a tiny bit of skin missing. It's ovalish in shape, seems to have a clear definition around it and is a bit smaller than a 5c piece. I have added some pics if it will help. I'm petrified that it could be a cancer... absolutely petrified. It looks like a nipple, but she doesn't have any obvious ones like and is desexed... so I don't know... Please tell me it's not cancer. I don't even care if it's something really basic and everyone laughs at me... as long as it's not cancer Any help is much appreciated. Thank you in advance. Edited December 6, 2010 by Kelly_Louise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted November 27, 2010 Author Share Posted November 27, 2010 And some more... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xKALIx Posted November 27, 2010 Share Posted November 27, 2010 (edited) Your best bet would be a vet... Edited November 27, 2010 by xKALIx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
africandreams Posted November 27, 2010 Share Posted November 27, 2010 Take your dog to your vet. they can take an FNA (fine needle aspirate) a very simple procedure- the cells will be examined. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted November 27, 2010 Author Share Posted November 27, 2010 Oh yes, I'm not suggesting I wouldn't take her to a vet... I was just wondering if anyone had seen anything like it, or could lessen my anxiety that it may be a cancer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danois Posted November 27, 2010 Share Posted November 27, 2010 (edited) No one here can tell you its cancer or not just by looking at a photograph. The only way to lessen the anxiety is vet - if you are that anxious about it then there are vets around (like Sydney Animal Hospital) that are open to 10pm/ 11pm. Edited November 27, 2010 by Danois Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted November 27, 2010 Author Share Posted November 27, 2010 (edited) No one here can tell you its cancer or not just by looking at a photograph.The only way to lessen the anxiety is vet - if you are that anxious about it then there are vets around (like Sydney Animal Hospital) that are open to 10pm/ 11pm. Okay, thanks anyway for your time. I was just hoping (praying) that it was so obviously not a cancer that someone would be able to tell me so. Unfortunately Sash has issues, so I can't take her to any vet. But will take her to her normal vet asap. Again, thanks anyway. Edited November 27, 2010 by Kelly_Louise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Fox Posted November 28, 2010 Share Posted November 28, 2010 Best to go to the vet. But just to ease your mind a little, not all lumps are cancerous. Histiocytoma is common in young dogs http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/diseasesco...histiocytom.htm http://www.vetcancercare.com/literature/on...istiocytoma.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raineth Posted November 28, 2010 Share Posted November 28, 2010 I remember reading about Sasha's vet issues. I am wondering whether it would be possible to talk to your vet and see if if there is an injection (like a sedative) that you could give her. Then that way the Vet can examine her easily? Obviously it would need to be a intramuscular or subcutaneous injection (not intravenous). Even better maybe there is a tablet form of sedative that could be administered... its just maybe worth asking your vet about it. Especially if Sasha needs to be still enough to have a needle aspiration. I hope she doesn't have cancer :rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staff'n'Toller Posted November 28, 2010 Share Posted November 28, 2010 Quite a few of those types of lumps in old dogs aren't cancerous so don't go worrying yourself sick just yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted November 28, 2010 Author Share Posted November 28, 2010 Thanks for your understanding guys... I'm keeping a close watch on it, and if it is still there or changes by Monday night then she will be off to the vet on Tuesday. SnT, she is still only a youngun' (she will be 5 soon), so that is why it concerned me a bit more. Chloe, my old girl, has lumps and bumps everywhere - but have all been passed as fatty lumps etc and not dangerous, via needle aspiration. I've just not seen anything quite like this. It really is like one of her nipples, and feels what I expect one of their nipples should feel like, but it's only come in the last couple of days. It's a really strange lump. Raineth, we've had a bit of a breakthrough with Sash and the vet. I took her to a different vet and he was able to do a quick examination of her. She wasn't comfortable, but she allowed him to touch her and feel her stomach etc and take her temp, and give her vacs. Now that was a first, and Sash can be unpredicatable, but I feel more confident that it was a bit of a breakthrough and that we could probably even do a needle aspiration if necessary without sedation. As long as she is muzzled and I have some help in keeping her still I *think* we could manage. It just doesn't strike me as a normal lump that I would associate with cancer... but I guess they come in so many different forms. So I was just hoping that someone has seen something similar and could give me some suggestions on alternatives to what it could be (other than my mind just hoping against the worst). Secret Kei, thanks for the links, and for the positive thoughts... I will check out the websites now. Thanks again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted November 28, 2010 Author Share Posted November 28, 2010 Secret Kei, that is very similar (in description and from the picture) to what Sash has Although they are benign, I wonder if having one of these tumours (IF that is what it is) is any kind of indication to her susceptibility of having other cancers in her lifetime? I hate cancer... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xKALIx Posted November 28, 2010 Share Posted November 28, 2010 I hate cancer... Me too... I'll keep Sasha in my thoughts, I hope it's not bad news! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stormie Posted November 28, 2010 Share Posted November 28, 2010 (edited) IF it's a histiocytoma, they are relatively common in young dogs and I don't believe have any link to cancers in the future. Yes, technically it's a type of tumour but nothing nasty and mostly they resolve on their own. Hope you get some positive answers from the vet! Edited November 28, 2010 by stormie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeckoTree Posted November 28, 2010 Share Posted November 28, 2010 You know what, if it is it is, theres no point worrying until a diagnosis is made and then you are given recommendations on a course of treatment. or if not then not. Theres no point in being petrified. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staff'n'Toller Posted November 28, 2010 Share Posted November 28, 2010 Oh sorry, I thought you were talking about Chloe - I will pay more attention next time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted November 28, 2010 Author Share Posted November 28, 2010 I hate cancer... Me too... I'll keep Sasha in my thoughts, I hope it's not bad news! Thank you And thanks for that info Stormie, appreciate it (and good to know). GT - you're right, but easier said than done. Sasha is... for lack of a better word... 'special' in so many ways. I couldn't bear to lose her or have her go through extensive treatments due to her fear issues. However, I would do it in a heartbeat if I had to. SnT - LOL - no problems!!!! Luckily Chloe is very used to being poked and prodded, bless her old paws... and although she has had so many health issues, the one thing we are ALWAYS thankful for is that she has not been affected by cancer (well that's if you exclude the pituitary tumour). There have been times when it's been suspected, but always comes back clear... thank goodness, she has enough to battle with. Sash is young and strong, regardless I'm sure she can beat anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stormie Posted November 28, 2010 Share Posted November 28, 2010 I hate cancer... Me too... I'll keep Sasha in my thoughts, I hope it's not bad news! Thank you And thanks for that info Stormie, appreciate it (and good to know). GT - you're right, but easier said than done. Sasha is... for lack of a better word... 'special' in so many ways. I couldn't bear to lose her or have her go through extensive treatments due to her fear issues. However, I would do it in a heartbeat if I had to. Oh DEFINITELY easier said than done. I'm a shocker when it comes to Orbit, especially now that he's older. Any change to him and I'm freaking out Truly, at least once a week I'm asking my boss to tell me something on him isn't cancer! I remember the first time I felt his lymph nodes were up - one was pretty big and I totally convinced myself he had Lymphoma, even though logically I knew it was unlikely. Sure enough the next day we found a little ulcer between his pads which was why that node was up. I was so relieved I cried again! (I should add his nodes go up and down a bit with his allergies). So I totally understand you being worried cause I would be exactly the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted November 28, 2010 Author Share Posted November 28, 2010 Oh thank you so much for your understanding Stormie... it helps enormously. I'm a worrier with my girls - because they mean the world to me. I've seen Chloe through leg ops and the horrid Cushings disease and unknown allergic reactions etc - and I know she's tough as nails and will get through anything. But she too is getting older, will be 13 soon and I know her time with us is more limited now. Still, she continues to surprise us and I thank God that she is still living and loving life, and relatively healthy. Sash, however, is more fragile. Her health and immune system has always been a little on the poor side - however I think I've turned this around in the last year. But her 'issues' hinder her still, and whilst it is an ongoing battle - her bravery and improvements endear her to everyone. She is a very special girl. She has only been with me for 2 years - and I have no idea what I'd do without my big, gangly, awkward shadow. I read last night that mast cell tumours can look just like histiocytomas, so it's back to worrying a little. I'm going to book her into the vet (hopefully Friday when someone can come and help me with her) - so at least we will know either way what we are dealing with. I just can't imagine my big, smiley girl having cancer - so I'm remaining positive that it isn't (but still worry creeps in). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted November 28, 2010 Author Share Posted November 28, 2010 She is booked in for Monday the 6th at 9.40am (the first available date when her vet is back)... so we will start the investigation then. Hopefully it goes away before then... fingers crossed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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