What's wrong with my dog?

Question

My dog's been shedding like crazy and he's got a small sack-like lump under his arm filled with like puss and there are a few hairs coming out of it but it's odd! He's only 8. I called the vet and they said to put flax seed oil in his food. What could this be? I need some ideas. Could it be cancer?

Answer 1

The shedding could just be because it's summer- however, that lump concerns me. It is probably just a boil or cyst from an ingrown hair, but it alarms me that the vet didn't ask you to bring your dog in to have it checked. If it is a boil or cyst, it needs to be drained properly. Also, there is a small chance it could be something serious like a tumor, and it needs to be biopsied and examined for cancerous cells under a microscope. Take him in without delay, and if I were you I'd get a new vet!!!

Answer 2

My cat had a lump like that, it was filled with fluid. Thankfully I work in a Dr's office and have assisted with lancing those all the time. So I just numbed the area and drained it then gave him shots of antibiotic for 2 days and he is fine. I suggest you take him to ur vet to have it looked at.

Answer 3

It could be cancer, or just an infected sliver. Many other things it could be. Your vet needs to LOOK at your dog, not just talk about things on the phone. Please take you dog to the vet and have a complete checkup. The shedding sounds excessive, and the lump needs treatment. If your vet wants to diagnose and treat by telephone, please find another vet.

Answer 4

That is a funny response from a VET

Sounds like a boil to me... could have had a tick = scratched it off and the head stayed in...

don't squeeze it but instead pull the area beside it away = down= then under... see what happens

Good Luck
H.O.T. Dog
Handler Owner Trainer of GSD's
Member U.S.A & A.W.D.F