The lump in Earle's thigh is benign! Not sure what we are going to do about it; I'm leaning towards leaving it alone and keeping him on anti-inflammatories. He's a happy dog again on meloxicam. Surgery to remove the lump would be extensive, invasive and painful. Plus he's an old dog(as much as I hate to acknowledge that!). If the meds continue to work and he stays happy and comfortable, I'm good with not removing the lump.