Sparky could use some PT prayers-UPDATE #17

[pomtzu]

Yesterday I noticed that Sparky has a lump low on his left side, close to his hind leg. If I hadn't had his hair cut, I wouldn't have noticed it at all. It is soft, and I can move it around under the skin, and is about the size of a silver dollar, altho not round. He's not sick and appetite is fine, however he has been eating grass this past week. I'm wondering if perhaps it could be a hernia. Whatever it is - I don't like it. Lumps scare me!!! I called the vet first thing this morning, and he has an appointment today at 3:45.

Please say a prayer for him - that it is nothing serious. He's only 9 years old - not old at all for a little dog, and he has never been sick. I'm just worried sick about my sweet Pillow Pup.

[Shelteez2]

Try not to worry (I know, easier said than done). I will be keeping my fingers crossed that it is just a fatty lump. Very common in older dogs. My 12 year old sheltie has one on her belly.

[Karen]

Prayers being sent! Be well, little one!

[Taz_Zoee]

Awww Sparky!! I will also be hoping it is nothing serious.

[chocolatepuppy]

Pawsitive thoughts and prayers for Sparky.

[lvpets2002]

:( Oh no & I hate to read of this about poor wittle Sparky.. I hope its just a soft cist that can go away with meds.. For sure let us know ok.. PT Positive Fibes & Prayers being sent.. Also Huggss..

[pomtzu]

We're back from our visit with Dr. Annie, and so far it's not too bad. Her first thought is that it's a reaction from a bug bite (she can feel 2 seperate lumps) even tho she couldn't see evidence of a bite, and wants him on Benadryl till Friday. It could have been there for a while and I just didn't notice it. If it hasn't gone down in size by then, she's pretty sure that it's just fatty growth and would want to surgically remove it to be positive.

I asked her approximately what the cost would be involved for surgery, and was surprised that it wasn't as much as I expected. She said his bloodwork would be $70 and the surgery about $150. I was expecting her to say something like $500! :eek: But of course we're hoping it doesn't come down to him needing the surgery!

And I was wrong about his age. I was thinking he was born in 2000 - but it was 1999 as her records have him being neutered in Sept 1999! What a bad Mommy I am - don't even remember what year my kid was born! :(

So if you can keep some prayers and positive vibes headed Sparky's way, we would both appreciate it! Thanks friends!

[lvpets2002]

:) Well so glad the lump can be treated.. I sure hope the meds work well first.. I sure dont want this baby to have to go thru surgury.. Hey just put his pill in vienne sausage & Sparky will think he is getting yumy yumy treats.. Keep us informed ok.. Wittle Gentle Belly Rubbss for Sparky..

[Daisy and Delilah]

Ellie, don't feel bad. I have a terrible time remembering how old I am. Seriously.

Poor Sparky!! I hope it's nothing and he makes a speedy recovery from the surgery.:)

My daughter just had the same thing happen with her 8 year old Golden. His vet said it's a fatty growth. He should be fine. My daughter was relieved to hear that but she also found out he has a broken tooth from chewing his chewy bone she gave him.:(

[lvpets2002]

:love: How is Sparky today?? I hope he is feeling good & well.. Has the lump gone down any?? Please update us..

[pomtzu]

:love: How is Sparky today?? I hope he is feeling good & well.. Has the lump gone down any?? Please update us..

Thanks for asking! He's fine - maybe just a little loopy from the Benadryl tho - but otherwise just his normal lovable self. It's too soon to see any difference yet, since he just had his second dose this morning. He takes 1/3 tablet twice a day - hidden in some cheese so he doesn't know he's getting anything but a treat! Sneaky Mommy! Here's hoping that the lumps go away and that he won't need surgery, since I don't think that would make him a happy camper. :p

[lvpets2002]

:love: Well thats good he is feeling better.. Hey nobody wants to go thru surgery.. We are crossing all paws here that he wont have to have surgery.. Wet Nose Kissess for Sparky..

[Grace]

Ellie, I'm just now reading this.

Prayers headed your way for a quick and painless resolution to Sparky's problem.

[cassiesmom]

I hope the Benadryl helps LOTS! Be well, sweet Sparky!

[Daisy and Delilah]

Still thinking of little Sparky. Hugs all around. Feel better Sparky!!:)

[Emeraldgreen]

Ellie, the vet should be able to tell if it is a fat deposit without surgery and without anesthesia. I've had vets do this test on one cat and two of my dogs. It's called a 'fine needle aspiration' and they insert a syringe into the lump and draw out a tiny sample of fluid. They squirt it out onto a glass slide and look at it under the microscope. If it is a fat deposit, they can usually tell right away. The cost a few years ago for the FNA was about 20.00 and I think there might have been a cost for looking through the microscope but not much. No local anesthesia was needed all three times my animals got this test done and none of them seemed to feel it at all. It took about 2 seconds to do it.
Hope it's just a reaction to a bug bite though. :)

[pomtzu]

Good News - no surgery!!!!:)

Mr Lumpy's lumps didn't go away with the Benadryl. so it was back to Dr Annie today. She did a fine needle aspiration and it's only fat, so since it's not very big and not interfering with anything, then she's just going to leave it alone. I always said that Sparky didn't have an ounce of fat on him, so guess I can't say that anymore! Sparky and I are both breathing a big sigh of relief tho with the good news.

Those PT prayers came thru again! Thanks!!!!!!! :love:

And Sparky actually had fun at the vet today. Doc had three little 6 week old adoptable kittens running free in the waiting room, so he had fun sniffing and playing with them. He loves kitties! Of course you know who fell in love with them - especially the one that looked like Taz Zoee's Paizly - but I returned home with just the one dog that I left with.

So my boy is under my desk sleeping off his two traumas of the day. First it was a thunderstorm this morning (he's petrified of them), and then the needle! Guess I'll have to give him an extra treat when he wakes up! :)

[Medusa]

Ellie, I don't come over to the Dog side much but after you posted in Cat General about my Coco and mentioned Sparky, I checked out this thread. I'm so glad that everything checked out ok. My ret. vet told me that, should I discover a lump, to see if it pulls away from the skin and if I can move it. If so, it's a fatty tumor. However, like you, I'd want to get it checked out anyhow just for my peace of mind. Better safe than sorry. Lots of scritchies to Sparky from me.....:love:

[lvpets2002]

:love: Woo Hoo that is Great News.. What cha mean no kitten.. Now you go back & get Sparky a playmate..:D Ok I guess Sparky will have to settle for treats.. Give her those google eyes Sparky & get all the treats you can..;)