Update - Moles on the head & leg...

[Casper]

Has anyone had experience with their dogs and moles? Within the past 6 months some have popped up on Frisk. He has one on his back leg, one on his front paw, and one on top of his head.

We asked our local vet about them a few weeks ago, and he said they are normal. Then again, years ago when we asked why Frisk is overweight and nothing seems to help him loose it, instead of doing blood-tests that would have told us he is hypothyroidistic, this vet just told us "He is fat and happy!".

Since then, I hadn't given them a second thought.

Today I was curious, and googled it. It sounds like some are cancerous, and it is often advised they are removed. Of course, this has me worried about my baby. Tomorrow we will make an appointment with our other vet(the one we go to for Frisk's hypothyroidism). Until the appointment, can anyone give me any input?
It doesn't help that a lump seems to have appeared on his side, too. :( It feels like his fatty tumors, but I want to be sure.

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r310/CheckAgain/Phrisket005.jpg
I don't have any closeup of the mole, but you can see it protruding from the top of his head a bit in the picture (sorry for the terrible quality). It isn't an abnormal color, just the same as his skin. It looks like a tick at first glance...


If anyone is able, feel free to enlighten me.
I can't help but be worried about my baby. :(

[jennielynn1970]

Not sure what to say about the lumps, but I would say that I would stop going to vet #1, and stick with #2. Or, if #2 is a specialty vet, then find a new vet to replace #1.

I hope that your other vet will do some testing and be able to give you some definitive answers.

Good luck, and pets to your pup.

[mruffruff]

Dogs can get all kinds of lumps and bumps. Most of them don't amount to anything, but it's always a good idea to let your vet examine them. And it sounds like you need a second vet.

The vet can keep track of the lumps for changes in size, color and feel. Cysts and fatty tumors are common. Most of them are non-life threatening, but only a vet can tell you for sure.

[shepgirl]

Could be sebaecuous cysts which are nothing to worry about. Older dogs get lumps and bumps everywhere sometimes. Most are fatty tumors and need no treatment. If you're really worried and it seems to be bothering the dog I would go to a vet who will take the time to check it out.

[Casper]

Thanks for the replies. :)

I agree that I need to go to our other vet for cases such as this. The local vet is typically only used for nail clipping and vaccinations. And don't get me wrong, he is a great vet, but being in a very rural area, he doesn't have as much experience as our other. I guess we go to him since it is more convenient.
The local vet is only a 5 minute drive while the other vet is an hour drive.

The moles don't seem to bother Frisk, but I think it would help my mind reset if we get them checked out anyway.

Frisk has an appointment later this week, and I will update you all then.

Again, thanks for the replies. It has been relieving to know that they are more common than I thought.

[Taz_Zoee]

My mom's Min Pin had a few of those on his face/head. The vet always checked them and said they were nothing to worry about. But boy they sure got big as he got older. He lived 17 1/2 years.

[Casper]

My mom's Min Pin had a few of those on his face/head. The vet always checked them and said they were nothing to worry about. But boy they sure got big as he got older. He lived 17 1/2 years.

Thanks for sharing that. Hearing actual stories has a way of really making me feel better, with good reason.

That brings up another concern.. if they get any bigger, I fear they might snag easy when Frisk rough-houses with the other boys. I suppose that is another thing I need to write down so I remember to ask the vet about.
Haha, I'm going to be full of questions. :]

[Casper]

*Update*

Frisk's appointment way today, and all is good. :)
The Dr. looked at everything and is certain they are nothing to worry about. He has another fatty tumor and a callus on his back leg, but neither are causing him any discomfort. The Dr. even commented on how happy Friskie looked today.

Again, thanks so much for the replies. :]

[mruffruff]

Glad to hear the lumps are nothing to worry about. :D

[Taz_Zoee]

Woo Hoo!! Glad to hear the good news.

As far as them getting bigger and possibly getting snagged during play. Just keep an eye on them. If you feel they are getting too big I'm sure the vet could probably remove them. If you'd want to go through that process.

[Ginger's Mom]

Glad to hear the vet has declared Frisk and happy, healthy little boy. :love: