Pippin's person Posted October 5, 2008 Report Share Posted October 5, 2008 Our old dog Ness, who's living out her dottage with us, has a hard lump on the last rib on her right side. It's about 1.5 inches in diameter and not movable. We noticed it day before yesterday, but we're fairly certain it hasn't been there much longer than that. We know that it's quite possible that it's some kind of sarcoma but are wondering if any of you have ideas of what else it might be. We're going to get her into the vet this week, but in the meantime, of course, we'd like to scour the Web to see what kind of information we can gather. We don't really know how old she is, but probably 9 or 10 (maybe older). The lump is not at all painful and she's acting totally normal--eating, drinking, running around the same as usual. She just finished a round of metranidozole (7 days) and Panacur (3 days) for giardia, but otherwise, there's been nothing wrong with her. Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Genie Posted October 5, 2008 Report Share Posted October 5, 2008 At this point, there isn't enough info to do more than speculate wildly and that will probably only serve to worry you. Your vet can do a needle aspirate of it and send the sample out for analysis. That can often provide enough info on the type of growth to make a decision on what, if anything needs to be done for it. Fingers crossed here, hoping its nothing serious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bc4ever Posted October 5, 2008 Report Share Posted October 5, 2008 I agree. The vet will probably biopsy it. We had a scare with Scooter a few years ago. Luckily, it turned out to be nothing. Waiting to hear is agony. Sending good thoughts your way. And be careful about trying to find out what it is on the Internet--you'll scare yourself silly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurae Posted October 5, 2008 Report Share Posted October 5, 2008 I don't know what it could be, but I am hoping for the best for you guys and Ness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcnewe2 Posted October 5, 2008 Report Share Posted October 5, 2008 Fatty lypomia (sp?)? That would be the best thing you could find. My old dogs have them. Some are harder than others. Good luck, keeping paws crossed that it's no big deal Kristen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippin's person Posted October 6, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 6, 2008 Thanks for the good wishes--we'll keep you posted on any discoveries at the vet and also keep our fingers crossed that it's something relatively minor. This girl seems to have had a pretty long time of living the low life that we'd very much like to let her have at least a few years living it high. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippin's person Posted October 8, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 8, 2008 Well, the news is as we worried. The lump is a sarcoma--basically it's wrapped around the rib and attached to the skin and not likely to be operable. So, we're going to keep watching it and using supportive nutritional care (going after free radicals). This is our first go-round with cancer, so we're definitely happy for any advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tualizzy Posted October 8, 2008 Report Share Posted October 8, 2008 Oh I'm sorry. I don't have any advice, as I have not been thru that with my dogs yet. Just wanted to say that I'm thinking of you & Ness...sending you lots of positive vibes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcnewe2 Posted October 8, 2008 Report Share Posted October 8, 2008 What a bummer. What are your options if any? Keeping Ness in our doggy prayers Kristen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurae Posted October 8, 2008 Report Share Posted October 8, 2008 So sorry to hear this news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSmitty Posted October 8, 2008 Report Share Posted October 8, 2008 No experience here, but I'm sorry the news wasn't good. She'll be in my thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted October 8, 2008 Report Share Posted October 8, 2008 Very sorry to hear that the diagnosis is not a good one. Fortunately, Ness has you to take the best of care of her. Very best wishes in dealing with this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ceredwyn Posted October 9, 2008 Report Share Posted October 9, 2008 So sorry to hear this. If she's an older girl, I'd probably go with conservative treatment. If she isn't suffering, she doesn't know a thing's wrong. You'll know if it becomes time to do something. After watching my sis aggressively treat her aging rottie girl (leg amputation, chemo, radiation), I'm pretty sure I couldn't do that to my dog. Praying you have many more happy days with her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvw Posted October 9, 2008 Report Share Posted October 9, 2008 Robin, So sorry to hear about the news! Have you considered a consult at the onocology center at MSU? They are the ones that did wonders with Paddy. All of you are in my thoughts. Jennifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tip's Mum Posted October 9, 2008 Report Share Posted October 9, 2008 Oh, I'm really sorry the news wasn't better. What a blessing they don't know what we do. As with everyone else, we'll keep paws and fingers crossed that Ness will have plenty of good time left to enjoy. Sending positive mojo from down on the bayou... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaryP Posted October 9, 2008 Report Share Posted October 9, 2008 I'm sorry to hear this news. My only experience with cancer and dogs was very brief and many, many years ago (my first dog). I would second the suggestion to consult a vet oncologist, though. Meanwhile, we will keep paws crossed for you and Ness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweet_ceana Posted October 9, 2008 Report Share Posted October 9, 2008 So sorry to hear the news. Fingers, toes and paws crossed here as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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