aliwake Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 (edited) Hi, Nix has had a lump just next to his nose for a couple of days. He doesn't like it being touched. He's been quite itchy lately, so my initial thought is an allergic reaction of some kind. I tried neocort on it last night with no noticeable change this morning. Any ideas? Would you wait a few days to see what happens or head to the vet asap? Lump is on the right side of these pics - hope you can see it ok. Edited February 2, 2015 by aliwake Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave73 Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Something I have learnt any lump straight to the vet to get it tested. If it is something sinister the sooner its gone the better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph M Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Looks a little like Gus's wart! Definitely vet though, if he's miserable something is up. Not like him to have the sads! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 could be an infected hair follicle or something else entirely . vet is the best bet :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aliwake Posted February 2, 2015 Author Share Posted February 2, 2015 How can you tell he has the sads Steph?! :laugh: Seriously, he does have resting sad face anyway, but he has been a bit mopey. I managed to get an appt with the vet I prefer tomorrow morning. Thanks for looking guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Something I have learnt any lump straight to the vet to get it tested. If it is something sinister the sooner its gone the better. Yes. My immediate thought. Glad you are off to the vet; let us know results. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aliwake Posted February 4, 2015 Author Share Posted February 4, 2015 Well, just got back from the vet - was a nice long appt! She thinks the lump is most likely a button cell tumour (benign). She said they usually resolve by themselves after about 6 months, if he'll leave it alone for that long. She said it's too flat at the moment to do a fine needle aspiration, so she would likely have to do a wedge biopsy, in which case she'd probably just remove the whole lump. So, the plan at the moment is short term wait and see. If it's button cell it should plump up in the next week or so, in which case she'll be able to do fine needle aspiration without any trouble. If it is button cell and it drives him nuts it will probably need removing anyway. So basically, will just keep an eye on it, and go back in a week or two to re-assess. I made it clear I'd prefer to know what it is for sure, and she agreed. As well as that, she looked at some irritated spots on his tummy, which she says are secondary infections from his allergic scratching. So we have antibiotics for that (3/4 of a tablet dose no less! :laugh: ) Also have some ear stuff for his itchy ears (can't remember if it's antibiotic of steroid). We discussed allergy blood tests and elimination diets too. I don't think his allergies are severe compared to some I've read about here, but they are certainly impacting him negatively. She has given me a dosage of polaramine to try if I want, but she said only 30% of dogs respond to antihistamines. Also have to wash him twice a week in the near future. Lastly, he has PUT ON weight after me cutting back his food about 2 weeks ago - I can't believe it! I told her my theory that it's all the possum poo he eats that's making him fat, and she actually agreed! It makes sense cos he always looks great when we go away and he has no access to poo (despite all other food being the same). Not sure what I can do about that... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted February 4, 2015 Share Posted February 4, 2015 (edited) Glad everything seems okay regarding the lump. The number and different sorts of lumps dogs (and humans) can get is extraordinary :eek: Could it be the possum poo that is causing his allergies? I found antihistamines didn't help my dog with scratching issues. I keep him on a small dose of Prednisolone, however, he is quite elderly, and I admit I would be loathe to go down that road with a young dog. Good luck. Edited February 4, 2015 by Dame Danny's Darling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aliwake Posted February 4, 2015 Author Share Posted February 4, 2015 (edited) Thanks DDD. I'm somewhat relieved, but there's clearly a lot going on we need to deal with too, so it's a little daunting. We talked about so many things too, which is a relief, but I definitely have information overload. So glad I insisted on seeing this particular lady - we get on very well! I think I forgot to mention she did a swab/scraping of the lump to check for ringworm or similar, but it was clear. Good to have one thing ruled out at least. I'm not sure about being allergic to possum poo - he's eaten it from day one, but his allergies are definitely worse at the moment, so I suspect they're seasonal. He also sleeps inside at night, and when he gets mucky eyes from allergies they're often worst first thing in the morning, so I suspect dust and or humans are a better bet for allergies. She also said some dogs are allergic to cleaning products, so that's another 'inside' possibility too. Edited February 4, 2015 by aliwake Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cavNrott Posted February 4, 2015 Share Posted February 4, 2015 I've been thinking about you and your boy today. Good that you saw a vet you get along well with. I've never heard of a button cell tumour but it sounds to be not a lot to worry about. I get it that you want to know what it is for sure, so would I. You'll find out more in another couple of weeks. Hopefully it will resolve itself if he leaves it alone. Did the vet suggest a short course of Pred to deal with his allergies? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aliwake Posted February 4, 2015 Author Share Posted February 4, 2015 (edited) Aww, thanks cavNrott, lovely of you to be thinking about us. I think the formal name for button cell tumour is histiocytoma, so that might sound more familiar? she may have mentioned pred at some stage, but we talked about so many things! I think we sort of decided to take care of the most pressing things today, and we'll reassess when I go back. I will update you all again after we go back :) Edited February 4, 2015 by aliwake Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cavNrott Posted February 4, 2015 Share Posted February 4, 2015 Yep, I get hystiocytoma, I've never heard it called a button cell tumour before. Now I've learned something :) I hope all goes well at your next vet visit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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