Help, I am so worried about my girl.....:(

[GreyhoundGirl]

:( Jen has a huge lump on her side. And I don't know why. I hope it isn't cancer. I am so worried about her that everynight I cry myself to sleep. :o

I have already taken her to the vet twice since april, it's too bad I hadn't realised it than and I could have mentioned it than.

I really wish I hadn't taken her to the vet to see why she was loosing wieght, because it turned out to be nothing. If I hadn't taken her, I would have had enough money to take her now to see if she has cancer. :(

It is a medium-sized, hard bump, on the right side of her chest. It's about an inch behind her shoulder. I would include a pic, but you can't see it in pics. :(

Does anyone have any ideas what it might be? other than cancer. Is there a way I can get rid of it without taking her to the vet?

Please help...

[Lescoop77]

I could be a tick, a cyst anything! I would go to the vet pronto!

[beeniesmom]

Not all lumps and bumps are cancer.
It may be a cist or an ingrown hair.
When did you first notice it?
Does it seem bigger than when you first noticed it.
I would take her to the vet again to get it checked out.

[GreyhoundGirl]

I took her to the vet when she was loosing wieght, ( for nothing..... ) So now I don't have enough money to take her again. She has been to the vets twice since april.

[beeniesmom]

My dogs go to the vet almost once a month. They are always having issues.
The joys of dog ownership include vet visits.
For piece of mind. Save up some money and take her in.

[GreyhoundGirl]

Not all lumps and bumps are cancer.
It may be a cist or an ingrown hair.
When did you first notice it?
Does it seem bigger than when you first noticed it.
I would take her to the vet again to get it checked out.

I noticed it about a week or so ago, at first I thought it was just her shoulder bone,( 'cuz she was lying down in a strange fashion. )

It seems about the same size as it used to be.

I hope it isn't cancer..... It's very hard.

[GreyhoundGirl]

How long would it take for something like this to get serious? I just took her to the vet a couple of weeks ago, so I only have about 30 $. I don't want to waste too much time saving while my girl might be getting sicker everyday. :(

[beeniesmom]

My bosses dog went from fine to terminal in less than a month.

You can read about her in the memorials. She had bone cancer. Her name was Bella.

It started as a small hard bump but was as big as an apple in a week.

[GreyhoundGirl]

:(

How encouraging...... Is there any noticable difference between cancer and some of the other things you mentioned?

[beeniesmom]

I'm sorry. Your baby is probably fine.
The bump may have always been there.
If it is hard, it could be a cist. How old is she?
How much is a vet visit?

[GreyhoundGirl]

She turned 4 in Feb.

Vet visits usually cost 150-200$ +

depending on what gets done.

The bump wasn't always there. And it's only on one side.

[beeniesmom]

That is insane just for a check up.
She is a bit young to have cancer, I think.
What do your parents think. (I am assuming you are underage).

[GreyhoundGirl]

My parents said that if I want to see if there's anything wrong with with her that they would drive me to the nearest vet ( we live out of town ). Presuming I paid for it.

They also said If she was sick, they would pay to put her down. ( I cried so hard at this ) How encouraging.

[GreyhoundGirl]

would cancer affect her physically?

She is running just as much as normal, and eating just as much as normal. It doesn't seem to bother her.

[beeniesmom]

Does the lump seem attached to her or can you feel around it (like as if it was a ball under her skin?

[GreyhoundGirl]

Ummm... It's not attached to her chest, if i pull it up, I can feel under it.

( if it isn't cancer ) Would something like this get smaller without treatment? I think it's smaller than it was a couple of days ago.

I guess it's sorta like a ball between her chest and skin

[I_luv_rusty]

Rusty has a lump on his side too.... but the one he has is from when he got hit by a car years before we got him. (or something like that) I wouldn't worry too much! :)


Edit: How you say you can feel under it... I can do the same with Rusty.

[beeniesmom]

It sounds like a cist to me, from the description.
When you do get enough $, take her and get it checked out.
If it's a cist, it may go away on it's own.

[GreyhoundGirl]

I can't help but worry, she's all I got. It just came to be a few weeks ago, so it can't be from a crash or similar incident...

[GreyhoundGirl]

It sounds like a cist to me, from the description.
When you do get enough $, take her and get it checked out.
If it's a cist, it may go away on it's own.

If it is a cist, how long would it take to go away on it's own?

[I_luv_rusty]

I can't help but worry, she's all I got. It just came to be a few weeks ago, so it can't be from a crash or similar incident... Hmm I have no idea then, I'll take a picture of Rusty and show you what his looks like. His is very noticable, when he lays down it sticks up and his fur around it does too.

[beeniesmom]

I am not a vet.
I just have a little experience (regarding cists) with my dogs and from reading about them a lot.
Nothing is better than a vet visit.
Beenie gets cists a lot around her neck.
They go away when she takes antibiotics.
Can you just call your vet and describe the problem and see if he'll prescribe something without seeing her.
That will definately be cheaper. If the problem doesn't go away with meds in 10-14 days, take her in asap.

[GreyhoundGirl]

I am not a vet.
I just have a little experience (regarding cists) with my dogs and from reading about them a lot.
Nothing is better than a vet visit.
Beenie gets cists a lot around her neck.
They go away when she takes antibiotics.
Can you just call your vet and describe the problem and see if he'll prescribe something without seeing her.
That will definately be cheaper. If the problem doesn't go away with meds in 10-14 days, take her in asap.

I didn't ever think of CALLING the vet. :o I think I'll try that.

[I_luv_rusty]

Here what Rusty looks like.. if you look at this picture you see his fur raised. (its hard to see in this picture) Its on his side

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b233/littletumino/LakeweedRustyResivior010.jpg

[beeniesmom]

Good, let us know what they say.
Good thoughts for Jen.

[GreyhoundGirl]

Thanks, everyone. Especially you, beeniesmom. It has eased my worrying a little bit. ( especially her being a bit young for cancer )

[beeniesmom]

When you do call, tell them the whole situation. That she was just in but you noticed the bump after etc... They may not charge you for a visit.
Ask them if they would give you at least a discount since she was just in.

[I_luv_rusty]

Hope Jen okay and its nothing serious :D

[GreyhoundGirl]

When you do call, tell them the whole situation. That she was just in but you noticed the bump after etc... They may not charge you for a visit.
Ask them if they would give you at least a discount since she was just in.

That would be nice.

[sanford8916]

Our vet will let us set up a payment plan, it can't hurt to ask if your will let you make a few payments. Good luck!

[sanford8916]

Or maybe if you talk to your parents and tell them that you will work off the bill, or maybe you could babysit to get some extra money to pay back your parents. I know if my kids were so worried about our dogs, I would get the dog to the vet, even if it meant that a bill didn't get paid on time and I would certainly take their commitment to the dog more seriously if they were willing to help with the bill!

[MajesticCollies]

It could be just a fatty tumor. But even that you should have it removed. My Steele boy had a fatty tumor on his cheek. I had it removed in April. Some grow to a certain size and stop and some just keep growing. You should have it checked out for sure.



http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m298/majesticcollies/PICT1867.jpg

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m298/majesticcollies/Christmasconcert2005004.jpg

I got the worlds greatest vet. He let me assist in the whole procedure. I believe he was short on help that day. So since I helprd remove it alls he charged me for was the anesteisia(sp?) and meds.

Any how you really should get it checked out. We will say a prayer for your fur baby here at Majestic Collies.

[GreyhoundGirl]

Fatty tumor :confused: ?

[MajesticCollies]

Fatty tumors are always normally Benign. Lots of humans get them and just keep them without removal and no health problems. Its Just Steele is a Conformation Ring dog and I couldn't put him back in with the tumor on his jaw. I did have a biopsy and that is all it was. Thank God.

[GreyhoundGirl]

Fatty tumors are always normally Benign. Lots of humans get them and just keep them without removal and no health problems. Its Just Steele is a Conformation Ring dog and I couldn't put him back in with the tumor on his jaw. I did have a biopsy and that is all it was. Thank God.

Oh, So it wouldn't hurt her, if that is the case? Just look wierd.

Because if that were the case, she could just keep it untill I get enough $$$ to get it removed. As long as it wouldn't do any long-term effects.

[MajesticCollies]

Right, But..... you can't determine that on your own. You really need a vet to look at it. And don't just jump to his conclusions. If he says its Cancer, do get a second opinion.

[wolflady]

I agree with MajesticCollies, in that it could possibly be a fatty tumor. It appears that your Jen is part lab? Labs are very prone to tumors and fatty tumors, so it would be the best idea to have a vet examine it and possibly do a biopsy to make sure that it's benign.
Fatty tumors are benign, but they can grow fairly large which can be quite uncomfortable for the dog. We had a dog come into my hosptial that had one the size of a watermelon!!! :eek:

Paw-sitive thoughts are on the way that you get this checked out and it is indeed benign.

**hugs**

[lv4dogs]

Right, But..... you can't determine that on your own. You really need a vet to look at it. And don't just jump to his conclusions. If he says its Cancer, do get a second opinion.

I agree, especially by the sounds of it. As fatty tumors are usually soft & pliable, not hard.


It could be one of many different things. If you are worried I would get her into the vet for an appoitment. Even if you can just get an exam done to confirm the diagnosis & decline any treatment until you get some extra money. Exams are usually only $20-$30ish, it's all the extra things that add up.

[GreyhoundGirl]

I agree with MajesticCollies, in that it could possibly be a fatty tumor. It appears that your Jen is part lab? Labs are very prone to tumors and fatty tumors, so it would be the best idea to have a vet examine it and possibly do a biopsy to make sure that it's benign.
Fatty tumors are benign, but they can grow fairly large which can be quite uncomfortable for the dog. We had a dog come into my hosptial that had one the size of a watermelon!!! :eek:

Paw-sitive thoughts are on the way that you get this checked out and it is indeed benign.

**hugs**

Jenny's a Greyhound X Whippet. It doesn't seem to be bothering her, though... I don't even think she notices it. She has a normal appetite and energy level.

P.S. Wasn't going to mention it, but... :o I have no idea what benign means. :o

[GreyhoundGirl]

Right, But..... you can't determine that on your own. You really need a vet to look at it. And don't just jump to his conclusions. If he says its Cancer, do get a second opinion.

But Than I only need to get an exam untill I get the money, than I can get it removed.

:( And I'm trying not to think about what I'd do if it WERE cancer.....

[MajesticCollies]

Benign means non-spreading

[GreyhoundGirl]

Oh, well that's good. In that case, I hope it's benign.

[lv4dogs]

P.S. Wasn't going to mention it, but... :o I have no idea what benign means. :o


benign is non cancerous, malignant means it is cancerous.


5 entries found for benign.
be·nign Audio pronunciation of "benign" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (b-nn)
adj.

1. Of a kind and gentle disposition.
2. Showing gentleness and mildness. See Synonyms at kind1.
3. Tending to exert a beneficial influence; favorable: a policy with benign consequences for the economy. See Synonyms at favorable.
4. Having little or no detrimental effect; harmless: a chemical additive that is environmentally benign.
5. Medicine. Of no danger to health; not recurrent or progressive; not malignant: a benign tumor.

[GreyhoundGirl]

I found the most recent pic of her. You can't really see it. It's on the right side,

I think it might be slightly smaller, now. :)

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j314/greyhoundgirl_2006/jenny123.jpg

There are 3 bumps in a row,

the 1st is her shoulder,

2nd is "the bump"

3rd is her ribs

It's hard to see, but if you look closly, the left side only has 2 bumps: shoulder and ribs

[Dorothy39]

My daughter's dog, Kasha, has two lumps on her chest, just under her front shoulder. She had a Vet Aspirate it( inserting a needle and drawing out fluid) and sent the findings to a lab.

These were fatty tissue deposits, they are still there, but haven't grown.

I feel consulting with your parents and/or setting up a payment plan as suggested in an earlier post. You won't rest easy until you have her checked out anyway.

I know how you feel too, I would be just as worried myself.

I hope you can find the best solution for making an appointment.

[dragondawg]

You have a 4 yr old Greyhound that you have recently noticed has a firm hard mass, which doesn't seem to be connected to underlying tissue. Although later you post a picture and note there are multiple lumps. The dog has been losing weight which the Vet wasn't able to diagnose. Loss of weight is common with cancer. The dog has a good appetite and high energy level, where low energy levels usually are associated with cancer. Thus mixed physical signals: Loss of weight bad, high energy good.

Since the mass is hard and not spongy it's not likely to be a fatty tumor. It could be a possible cyst depending on how long it had been there before noticed. It could be a sarcoma such as Hemangiopericytoma- slow to spread but will eventually. The only way you will know for sure is to get the dog to a Vet and have the Vet send off needle aspirates for all the lumps to a pathology lab. If it's something like Hemangiopericytoma then surgery will be required to remove it. If it turns out to be a cyst(s) then it may be as simple as aspirating them, and then treating with antibiotics, or surgical removal. If a fatty tumor then unless it impeads the motion of the dog, they are left alone.

Given your Vet charges an outlandish amount for visits, you might want to ask your local ASPCA if there is a Vet that would charge a more reasonable rate.

Dogs do not get cancer by running into things. They get injured.

A dog can get cancer at any age. I've heard of Lymphoma cases for 1 yr old dogs.

Get the needle aspirates performed, and determine the nature of the tumors.

[Dorothy39]

I just noticed the picture you posted of your dog, Jenny.


I looked pretty close but could not see the 3 bumps you have indentified.

Since Jenny's Vet charges outragious fees, I'd call other Vets. in your area and inquire what is to be expected for their examination in terms of costs.


But would heed the advice given above because wishing won't make these bumps go away. Compare costs and find out whether they provide a payment plan. I would think that your parents would help out, so long as they know you will pay them back when you can.

Hugs to You and Your Jenny ;)

[GreyhoundGirl]

You have a 4 yr old Greyhound that you have recently noticed has a firm hard mass, which doesn't seem to be connected to underlying tissue. Although later you post a picture and note there are multiple lumps. The dog has been losing weight which the Vet wasn't able to diagnose. Loss of weight is common with cancer. The dog has a good appetite and high energy level, where low energy levels usually are associated with cancer. Thus mixed physical signals: Loss of weight bad, high energy good.

Since the mass is hard and not spongy it's not likely to be a fatty tumor. It could be a possible cyst depending on how long it had been there before noticed. It could be a sarcoma such as Hemangiopericytoma- slow to spread but will eventually. The only way you will know for sure is to get the dog to a Vet and have the Vet send off needle aspirates for all the lumps to a pathology lab. If it's something like Hemangiopericytoma then surgery will be required to remove it. If it turns out to be a cyst(s) then it may be as simple as aspirating them, and then treating with antibiotics, or surgical removal. If a fatty tumor then unless it impeads the motion of the dog, they are left alone.

Given your Vet charges an outlandish amount for visits, you might want to ask your local ASPCA if there is a Vet that would charge a more reasonable rate.

Dogs do not get cancer by running into things. They get injured.

A dog can get cancer at any age. I've heard of Lymphoma cases for 1 yr old dogs.

Get the needle aspirates performed, and determine the nature of the tumors.

I pointed out the lumps so you would know which lumps were her bones that were always there and which was the " unidentified bump". She is very skinny and I thought some people might be confused with all the bumps, but the middle one is the only bad one. The others are her first rib and her shoulder bone.

P.S. Did you think Jennifer ran into something? I don't think she has.

[Dorothy39]

Okay greyhoundGirl, I just took another look at that picture of Jenny and I did see the lump that you identified.


Like dragondawg noted, high energy levels and a good appetite are not associated with cancer .so, if your Jenny is eating well and has maintained her usual vigor, I would not jump to conclusions.


I "would" have that lump aspirated, if possible. Check( yourself) the lymph nodes located on either side of her throat. Do you feel any "raised" tissue? On the back of her legs, where other lymph nodes are, between her knee joint and her hip as well. Press firmly but not real hard , rotating around , up and down, in these areas. (That is where I found more lumps on my dog. )

All of us worry about the big "C" word, okay? BUT, not every lump is cancer .

Just remember that , okay?

You are a very responsible pet owner, and I'd bet the farm , a great person as well.
The bottom line here is, you have to make a decision as to where you will have her examined by a Vet, and , how you will pay for it.

Have Jenny seen by a Vet.

And, remember what MajesticCollies said, If you are told it is cancer, GET A SECOND OPINION!!!! So right!!!!


Stay tuned to Pet Talk as well Honey!!! and --- Keep Your Chin Up!!!!! ;)


90% of the things we worry about happening, never happen!!!


Hugs to You and Jenny!!!

[GreyhoundGirl]

Okay greyhoundGirl, I just took another look at that picture of Jenny and I did see the lump that you identified.


Like dragondawg noted, high energy levels and a good appetite are not associated with cancer .so, if your Jenny is eating well and has maintained her usual vigor, I would not jump to conclusions.


I "would" have that lump aspirated, if possible. Check( yourself) the lymph nodes located on either side of her throat. Do you feel any "raised" tissue? On the back of her legs, where other lymph nodes are, between her knee joint and her hip as well. Press firmly but not real hard , rotating around , up and down, in these areas. (That is where I found more lumps on my dog. )

All of us worry about the big "C" word, okay? BUT, not every lump is cancer .

Just remember that , okay?

You are a very responsible pet owner, and I'd bet the farm , a great person as well.
The bottom line here is, you have to make a decision as to where you will have her examined by a Vet, and , how you will pay for it.

Have Jenny seen by a Vet.

And, remember what MajesticCollies said, If you are told it is cancer, GET A SECOND OPINION!!!! So right!!!!


Stay tuned to Pet Talk as well Honey!!! and --- Keep Your Chin Up!!!!! ;)


90% of the things we worry about happening, never happen!!!


Hugs to You and Jenny!!!

Phew, that's a relief, :)

lymph nodes ? :confused:
Thanks everyone, for your help

[Dorothy39]

http:// http://www.irishwolfhounds.org/immune.htm,

This site explains the canine lymphatic system--I know Jenny is greyhound/whippet mix

[GreyhoundGirl]

Thanks

[GreyhoundGirl]

I think it's getting smaller. :) I noticed it wasn't stopping the brush as much today.

:confused: What would get smaller by itself. Cancer wouldn't. Would cists?

[Dorothy39]

Greyhoundgirl, I don't know.

Jenny may have simply had a reaction to a "bite" ( insect, ? bee?) :confused:

As far as cysts, no, I don't think a cyst, left un detected/treated, would go away on its own. But, I have no experience with cysts on dogs either.

Cancer? Again, a NO, lumps and bumps that are cancerous will grow, and , spread .

I am wondering about this "bump" on your Jenny!!!!

I am glad that you have noticed it is smaller! ;)

[GreyhoundGirl]

I'm really :confused: . None of my dogs have had this sort of things before. ( Phew ! ) It's an odd-ball. I'm pretty sure it IS smaller, though.... :)

Does anyone else have any ideas as to what it might be?

[Pembroke_Corgi]

Does anyone else have any ideas as to what it might be?
The only way to know for sure is to have a vet examine it. Ask around, I'm sure you can find a vet who is more affordable than your current one. I would take her to the vet.

[Glacier]

:confused: What would get smaller by itself. Cancer wouldn't. Would cists?

Mast cell cancer would. The hallmark of a mast cell tumor is that it changes size regularly. My Paxil has had mast cell cancer twice. The first tumor would go from the size of my fist to a the size of my thumb in the course of a day or two. The second time she had two tumors, much smaller ones, but they grew rapidly, especially once they were touched. The tumors were removed and Paxil is fine now.

The only way to know for sure is to get her to a vet and get a biopsy done asap. If it is cancer or something serious, the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to treat successfully.

[GreyhoundGirl]

I don't think it's growing and shrinking THAT fast.

[Glacier]

I don't think it's growing and shrinking THAT fast.

Doesn't matter. Paxil's tumors would stay the same size for long periods of time. Then they would grow like crazy and shrink again. They were still cancerous and life-threatening. Mast cell tumors can respond to stress and being touched. If I had left them longer, they would have gone from just under to her skin to invading her internal organs. She would no longer be with me. She got proper treatment and is thriving.

Regardless, your dog needs to see a vet. You aren't going to get an answer posting on the internet. A real, live, trained vet needs to see her and the sooner the better.

[GreyhoundGirl]

Doesn't matter. Paxil's tumors would stay the same size for long periods of time. Then they would grow like crazy and shrink again. They were still cancerous and life-threatening. Mast cell tumors can respond to stress and being touched. If I had left them longer, they would have gone from just under to her skin to invading her internal organs. She would no longer be with me. She got proper treatment and is thriving.

Regardless, your dog needs to see a vet. You aren't going to get an answer posting on the internet. A real, live, trained vet needs to see her and the sooner the better.

I know...... :o I've gotta see a vet. But I thought that if it were getting smaller, that it might be getting better. ( what's wrong with hopeful thinking ?! )

Does ( the part I bolded ) mean that it would be touch-sensitive? Because she'll let me touch it, pull it, squish it and try and examine it at length.

[Glacier]

Does ( the part I bolded ) mean that it would be touch-sensitive? Because she'll let me touch it, pull it, squish it and try and examine it at length.


It may not cause her pain to touch them. Paxil never seemed to be in any pain from them. The cells themselves react to being touched. Mast cells are part of everyone's immune systems, including cats and dogs. The tumors are a serious over-reaction of the immune system, basically. My vet has told me that as soon as he confirms a lump is mast cell cancer, it needs to come off asap. As he puts it, "they get ticked off" and become more aggressive.

Have you checked other vets in your area for their prices? Your vet's seem ridiculously high! My vet is pretty much the only game in town where I live. There is another clinic, but I wouldn't trust them with a goldfish! He could charge whatever the heck he wants and people would have no choice but to pay it. I pay 40 bucks for an exam. Paxil's treatment has cost a total of about 1000 dollars, including surgery, bloodwork and biopsies.

[luvofallhorses]

please take her to the vet. Its better to be safe than sorry. :)

[Bronx'sBower]

I have had a hard time not following this post, originally I wasn't going to say anything but...since I'm here :) ...I just wondered if you had a chance to call the vet and if so what they would or did say? I hope your baby girl is alright and most importantly I hope you and/or your parents can find the funds necessary...I am thankful my baby hasn't gotten too sick but I did have him neutered a couple weeks ago and that cost me $165-with meds. I understand that sometimes in life it's hard to survive and sometimes it's hard to have extra money to save. We have no children but I am a full time college student so my DH works full time to support both of us and Bower...sometimes we go without food or cable to make sure he is fed and maintained properly~but that is the sacrifice we made. Years ago I got a dental credit card and it just so happened I could also charge vet services. It's been a blessing because when we adopted Bower we knew we got a $50 deposit back, we just didn't know it would cost almost $200 (and I work for a vet!). My point is maybe your parents can look into Care Credit? Or even some type of pet insurance...pet ins. usually runs at most $20 a month and thats usually the best plan. I just pray your baby turns out alright and hopefully you can get either of the above and if anything ever happened again you would be saved a lot of heartache and stress....This is my opinion and I don't mean to come across harsh-I just like to stress how expensive our beautiful furbabies can cost....

[GreyhoundGirl]

It hasn't really done much. It hasn't changed size or anything. We gave her a bath yesterday. ( My mom said that would help.... :rolleyes: Yea Right ! )

I'm not as scared anymore, because it isn't changing sizes. I think I will try to get her to the vet, though. Probably in a few weeks. I think first I will use the suggestion of calling. If that doesn't work, I'll try and get her in free, because she was there not so long ago.

[sabies]

Sorry to hear Jenny has a lump. There is no way to know what it is except to have a vet check it.

My Sadie has a fatty tumor at the end of her breast bone that was never even tested because the vet touched it and said it's fine. I of course thought it was cancer but the vet knew instantly it was not. It is squishy but sort of hard too. I can move it around a bit under the skin.

Try to work something out with the vet. To touch a lump should not cost much. I biopsy could get spendy but this shouldn't wait. I know how worried you must be . . . good luck.