The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Pets & Working Animals => Dogs => Topic started by: doganjo on June 11, 2014, 09:41:49 pm

Title: Lumps on dogs - update! PHEW! :-)
Post by: doganjo on June 11, 2014, 09:41:49 pm
As you probably all know, I have four Brittanys, one of whom is my dog-in-a-lifetime, Allez

He is a character, loves everyone, has done all I could wish for in the show ring and on shoots. His sons and grandsons are exact replicas of him.

On Monday night I found a lump on his side, we saw our vet today, and on Friday he will have an operation to remove it and investigate.

Please think of him and keep, everything crossed that it it isn't what I think it might be.

Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: in the hills on June 11, 2014, 09:57:58 pm
Hope it all turns out well for both of you, Doganjo.  :fc:

Had lots of oldies over the years and a lot of the time it wasn't the worst. I dreaded it too so know how you are feeling.  :fc: :hug:
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: Mammyshaz on June 11, 2014, 11:36:57 pm
Sending good wishes for Allez.
Most lumps are nothing to worry about and older dogs often get benign fatty lumps   :fc:
Hope all goes well with the op. Will be thinking of you both  :hug:
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: shygirl on June 12, 2014, 12:06:53 am
my first dog had lumps too when she was old but the vet was never worried. im sure hers were fatty deposits but they were very obvious in that you could grasp them.

fingers crossed for you  :fc: :hug:
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: doganjo on June 12, 2014, 09:53:04 pm
He's not old, he's only 8, Brittanys are known to live to around 16/17

It has grown a lot since Monday night.
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: shygirl on June 12, 2014, 10:03:42 pm
hope it goes ok for tomorrow  :hug:   :fc:
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: Old Shep on June 12, 2014, 11:15:44 pm
good luck Allez! xxx

Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: ZaktheLad on June 13, 2014, 08:11:49 am
Keeping everything crossed for you.  Hopefully it's just a harmless fluid filled lump.  That's young for a Brittany and so sincere wishes that he has many, many, many more happy years with you.  I currently also have my own 8 year old dog of a lifetime and so know exactly how you feel about your boy.   :hug:
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: Louise Gaunt on June 13, 2014, 08:23:57 am
Thinking of you today. I hope everything goes ok, and that the results are good. :fc: :hug:
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: Rosemary on June 13, 2014, 08:26:58 am
 :fc: for a good result for Allez.
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: SallyintNorth on June 13, 2014, 11:12:35 am
Sending {{{hugs}}}  :hug: and good thoughts.   :-*
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: doganjo on June 13, 2014, 02:26:41 pm
operation done all removed, but Ian not totally happy. Most of it was discreet but one bit looked different so sample off to lab.  Seeing him later for more details
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: Rosemary on June 13, 2014, 02:38:24 pm
 :fc: :fc: :fc:
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: ZaktheLad on June 13, 2014, 02:39:18 pm
 :hug: to both you and Allez and  :fc: for results.
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: Mammyshaz on June 13, 2014, 05:54:40 pm
 :fc: for a speedy recovery.
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: doganjo on June 13, 2014, 06:15:15 pm
 Ian said most of it was encapsulated except one small section, it had a huge blood supply, with a central cystic section, a small scar on the skin over the site - could have been a tic bite that started it all. I removed a tic from his eyebrow on Sunday afternoon, never thought to check for more as they had advantix just about 6 weeks ago.  Apparently it needs to be done every month!

Until the lab results come back we have no way of knowing - right now my baby is not at all well, won't eat or drink and can't lift his leg to pee or he'd fall over. No power on front left shoulder. Have made him safe from interested (nosey) parties (the girls) by putting him in a soft crate in the lounge.  He has a bowl of scalded lamb and some raw tripe to nibble on.
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: shygirl on June 13, 2014, 07:44:19 pm
 :hug: :hug:    hope he feels better soon
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: doganjo on June 13, 2014, 08:19:10 pm
He's eaten the food!  . :excited:
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: Mammyshaz on June 13, 2014, 09:17:56 pm
Yay  :excited: just taking a bit longer to recover not being a young lad   :hug:
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: doganjo on June 13, 2014, 11:57:54 pm
And he's just done a wee  :excited:
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: in the hills on June 14, 2014, 07:37:26 am
Is he feeling a bit better this morning?
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: doganjo on June 14, 2014, 12:17:21 pm
He's quieter than normal, obviously in pain first thing, but he's had metacam, body functions normal, eating and drinking normal.  He just keeps looking at me with this strange quizzical look on his face. And he's much more clingy.
Ian wants to see him Monday afternoon to make sure there isn't a fluid build up after removal of so much soft tissue.
I did ask when the lab results would be back but I can't remember hearing the answer.  ::)
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: Bramblecot on June 14, 2014, 06:18:55 pm
Get well soon Allez :hug: :fc:
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: in the hills on June 16, 2014, 04:23:38 pm
How's Allez?
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: doganjo on June 16, 2014, 06:52:03 pm
He had a check up today to make sure there was no fluid build up. All fine there, but I had a scare yesterday  :gloomy:

He scratched off his dressing,  ran into the garden, and I saw him heading for the pond - a dirty muddy hole of a thing that they all love ploutering in.  :innocent:  I spotted a red splodge then a drip and yelled at him - he stopped at the edge and ran back to me - he had ripped out the bottom four stitches and there was a gaping hole. :rant:  I slapped on a dry pad and a body bandage, shoved him in the car and phoned the vet. 

Fortunately it's only 25 minutes to the head office of the practice so off we went.  George (the other partner) who is a member of our working gundog club was duty vet, so it was good to see him and he chatted non stop about club stuff while he stapled Allez back together! (at no charge!)

Lab reports usually take a week or so - Friday probably.
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: in the hills on June 16, 2014, 08:01:48 pm
Oh bless him ... Well at least he's feeling better in himself even if he did give you a bit of a fright.

Both of mine like to find any mucky hole. When we went to Exmoor recently our lab pup ran straight through what must have been a deep hole that the farmer had filled with muck. She practically had to swim. She was in it before we'd spotted it. Gave a recall and yep, she came straight back ..... right through it for a second time  ::)
She stank .... children thought it was hysterical.  ::)

 :fc: for Friday
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: Sudanpan on June 17, 2014, 09:05:14 pm
Here's hoping Allez is still healing well  :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: doganjo on June 18, 2014, 07:59:34 pm
He scratched out all the stitches and staples this afternoon so had to rush back to the vet again.  First two staples he screamed so the nerves had started to grow back already, so George had to use wound glue instead.  He is now wearing my Central Scotland Smallholders t-shirt taped up with masking tape, with tape over the wound underneath. And a buster collar if I need to go out without him - can't take him with me as it's so hot!  At last he is lying down quietly having had a big drink of cool water, and the buster collar removed.
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: SallyintNorth on June 18, 2014, 10:19:02 pm
It's good that the nerves are growing back already - but he's really putting you through the wringer, isn't he!

He's looking well in the pics :)
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: ZaktheLad on June 19, 2014, 07:54:50 am
Bless him  :love: :love:  He looks really well though despite what he has just gone through.  He is gorgeous too - a very handsome chap.  :hug:
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: sabrina on June 19, 2014, 09:13:33 am
Do hope you get a good result. always such a worry with any lump. We have had a few on our dogs over the years. Good to see he is feeling better.
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs
Post by: doganjo on June 19, 2014, 03:08:20 pm
Bless him  :love: :love:  He looks really well though despite what he has just gone through.  He is gorgeous too - a very handsome chap.  :hug:
Thank you.  I DID say as I was leaving George's surgery last night' if he hadn't done so much winning he might not have been forgiven so quickly for pulling those stitches out'  - in jest of course - he's my once in a lifetime soul mate, but his show record speaks for itself - even though he's not had that third Challenge Certificate to make him a Show Champion, and time is against him now.

Quote
Show Certificate of Merit, 2 Challenge Certificates, 5 reserve Challenge certificates, 61 best of breeds, 17 best puppy in breed, 25 best opposite sex, 1 Best in show, 4 group places, 15 short lists in Group

As well as about 45 retrieved pheasants, partridge, and rabbits on our local shoot in the last 4 years, and not forgetting all the birds pointed after the spanners have been through  :roflanim: 
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs - update! PHEW! :-)
Post by: doganjo on June 20, 2014, 05:29:07 pm
Vet just phoned - no cancer!  :relief:

Infection caused lump - foreign body suspected, so we are assuming it was an insect bite - tic head possibly left in when it got brushed off.    Just need to keep an eye on him for flare up of infection, or fluid build up. PHEW!

Advantixed about 6 weeks ago so it does what it says on the tin - only gives protection for a month!  Here we go £30 every month from now on, or will I try Garlic as recommended by some of my doggy friends?

Could I give them garlic while the Advantix is still in their system or is that OD - ing?
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs - update! PHEW! :-)
Post by: shygirl on June 20, 2014, 05:53:38 pm
thats a big relief for you. hope he feels much better now  :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs - update! PHEW! :-)
Post by: SallyintNorth on June 20, 2014, 05:56:09 pm
 :relief:

Such good news  :thumbsup:.  Well done Allez  :love: :dog:
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs - update! PHEW! :-)
Post by: Louise Gaunt on June 20, 2014, 07:09:40 pm
That's really good news! What a relief, even if you do need to treat every month against ticks!
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs - update! PHEW! :-)
Post by: Fleecewife on June 20, 2014, 07:16:24 pm

Excellent news  :relief:.   :sunshine:

I think it's worth going for the chemical treatment rather than a garlic preventer for your dogs, which if I remember get walked in woodland where they are likely to pick up 'stuff', so something sure is what you need.
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs - update! PHEW! :-)
Post by: ZaktheLad on June 20, 2014, 08:43:49 pm
That's fantastic news - so pleased for you and Allez.  :relief:  :)
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs - update! PHEW! :-)
Post by: Mammyshaz on June 20, 2014, 09:33:13 pm
Great news and such a relief  :thumbsup:

Garlic won't do any harm, not convinced by it's pesticidal properties but it will not inhibit the Advantix powers or overdose Allez.
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs - update! PHEW! :-)
Post by: doganjo on June 20, 2014, 09:57:15 pm
I know that Garlic is a blood thinner so dosage is quite crucial.  What I don't know is how Advantix works.
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs - update! PHEW! :-)
Post by: Bramblecot on June 20, 2014, 10:08:16 pm
What I do know is that Fr*****ne is useless.  Just found ticks and fleas on my girl.  How embarrassing, at the vets ::) .  I hope Allez is mending well, he sounds a great character ;D .
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs - update! PHEW! :-)
Post by: ladyK on June 20, 2014, 10:13:10 pm
What a relief for you - such good news!  :sunshine:

There is a herbal repellant (to be mixed in food, got a lot more in it than garlic) called 'Billy no Mates'.
It smells really nice but I can't get much into my dog as he is terribly picky, so not sure I can do a qualified review, but he only ever had one tick in 2 years of living in sheep country.
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs - update! PHEW! :-)
Post by: doganjo on June 21, 2014, 08:21:04 am
Ingredients:

Mint
Seaweed
Fenugreek
Neem
Lemon Balm


http://www.myitchydog.co.uk/billy-no-mates-herbal-flea-tick-and-mite-treatment-repellent-for-dogs.html (http://www.myitchydog.co.uk/billy-no-mates-herbal-flea-tick-and-mite-treatment-repellent-for-dogs.html)

No garlic strangely.  Might try it thanks, cost is about 30p a day - half the cots of advantix.
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs - update! PHEW! :-)
Post by: funkyfish on June 24, 2014, 12:15:34 pm
garlic is toxic to dogs- even small amounts
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs - update! PHEW! :-)
Post by: SallyintNorth on June 24, 2014, 01:17:07 pm
garlic is toxic to dogs- even small amounts

What??!!?!  It's been used as a natural worm remedy for centuries...  :o ???

Edited to remove inappropriate emotithingy - little rascal crept in there without my noticing  ::)
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs - update! PHEW! :-)
Post by: doganjo on June 24, 2014, 02:19:04 pm
garlic is toxic to dogs- even small amounts
If that's the case then my friend Ann has had over 50 dead Irish wolfhounds in her kennel over the years , some of them still very much running around their farm  :roflanim: -
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs - update! PHEW! :-)
Post by: in the hills on June 24, 2014, 05:53:27 pm
I've read that both garlic and onions could be toxic to dogs.

Never given it to mine ..... maybe it's a quantity thing ??????
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs - update! PHEW! :-)
Post by: doganjo on June 24, 2014, 07:24:47 pm
I know a lot of people who give garlic to dogs in various forms - powdered is what Ann uses, another friend uses capsules from the supermarket, and another crushes cloves and puts them in olive oil and adds some to each meal.
Just found this -

Quote
Why the controversy over garlic?

The primary reason AVMA (American Vet association) is against feeding garlic is that it contains thiosulphate, which can cause hemolytic anemia, liver damage and death. However garlic only contains very small traces of thiosulphate and a dog would have to consume a huge quantity for any negative effects. Using Tylenol (acetaminophen) or benzocaine topical ointments to stop itching are far more likely to cause anemia in dogs.

Garlic’s medicinal properties

There are many health benefits to feeding garlic. Here are some things you might not know about this healthy herb:

Garlic is a natural antibiotic and won’t affect the good bacteria in the gut which are needed for digestion and immune health
Garlic is antifungal
Garlic is antiviral
Garlic boosts the immune system
Garlic makes dogs less desirable to fleas
Garlic is antiparasitic
Title: Re: Lumps on dogs - update! PHEW! :-)
Post by: in the hills on June 24, 2014, 08:10:20 pm
There you go .... quantity thing ..... suppose lots of things could be harmful if enough was gobbled.