My dog is about 10 yearsn old and originally came from the shelter. She is a black fuzzy chow. Recently she developed a baseball sized lumb underneath her left armpit. It bothers her some, but does not get in the way. My vet took a needle biopsy and said from that it is fat not cancer. But now when I ask my vet about removal or making my dog lump more comfortable for my dog; the vet now wants to do a larger biopsy. Is this normal? why not do this in the first place? Is this normal before removing it? Should it be removed? What are the risks? Should I be upset with my vet? How often should I have this tumor/lump checked?
I want the best for my pup, any advice would be helpful.
2007-09-13 04:37:08 · 10 answers · asked by confucious 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Not sure why your vet would want to biopsy it again before removing it -- most vets would remove the tumor and send the whole thing in for biopsy. This is what I would recommend.
A fatty tumor, being benign, poses no risk to your dog other than discomfort due to its location. Whether or not you should remove it depends on how much it's bothering your dog, or whether your vet actually thinks there's any possibility that it might be cancerous.
Ask the vet why another biopsy would be necessary. If he/she thinks there is any possibility that it might actually be cancerous, have the entire thing removed and biopsied.
2007-09-13 04:46:29 · answer #1 · answered by Loki Wolfchild 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Our older dog (the one in the background in the photo) gets these and when they were in places that they bothered her we had them removed. Most vets I've spoken to said they don't have to be removed unless they bother the dog or unless they change in any way (start growing more or faster,etc.). The needle biopsy was just probably the vet or the tech inserting a syringe and pulling out a small bit of liquid from the cyst and "hand" testing it to see if it was fat or something else. But, for surgery - yes they should do an actual biopsy at the time they remove it to see if there is anything else going on that needs to be addressed.
2007-09-13 06:28:41 · answer #2 · answered by Barb 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, there definitely are unstable dogs - I had one foster dog who could best be described as "autistic" - he simply does not read people, dogs or situations like any other dog I have ever known. He improved greatly with time and training, but I doubt that anyone will ever consider him to be a normal dog. Im sure he is the product of some BYB. But most "unstable" dogs can be tolerable in the right situation, with the right owner, and the right training. Granted, puppymills and BYBs have contributed to the problem, but I think people are the biggest problem. Most people these days have no contact with nature and animals, and not the slightest clue how to deal with normal animal behavior. They tend to use the hands off approach that has become so popular in raising children (and doesnt work with them, either.) Some people actually seem afraid to impose their wishes on the dog. Then you have the instant gratification group, who dont expect to have to put any time or effort into developing the "perfect" dog. Ive had dogs for more than 40 years, and I dont see much difference in the dogs now, and the dogs then (BTW - there were MANY pet dogs back then). I do see a big difference in the people who own them.
2016-03-18 05:15:30 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He probably wants to do a better biopsy to see if it's cancerous or not. You can ask to get it removed and then he'll do a biopsy on it. I'd have it removed if it were my dog since it's that large and you know it makes the dog uncomfortable.
2007-09-13 04:42:48 · answer #4 · answered by Madison 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a Lab with the same problem. He is nine years old. Now he has developed several. My vet doesn't want to put him under Anesthesia unless it becomes a problem. If your dog is uncomfortable I would go for a second opinion. I was told many times they return to the same place. Good Luck to you and your dog.
2007-09-13 04:46:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it should probably be removed to ease some comfort issues with the dog and to make sure it does not get larger.
The doctor might just want to make extra sure it's not a bad growth before removing it.
It would be best to be removed though.
thnks for adopting and using a vet!!!!!
2007-09-13 04:41:30 · answer #6 · answered by nodesignerdogs4me 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the fat lump has somthing to do with old age. My dads dog has simillar symptoms too.
Just act on whatever advice your vet gives you.( I am suprised that they didnt suggest a Biopsy when you visited them earlier)
Its always good to be sure than sorry.
Good Luck
x
2007-09-13 04:44:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suggest that it be removed entirely. I had a dog years ago what was suppose to be fat in fact turned out to be cancer... She was only 2 yrs old...
2007-09-13 04:41:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Um, take him to the vet?
Get it biopsied.
2007-09-13 05:23:16 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
have it removed and check it out
2007-09-16 14:08:34 · answer #10 · answered by Tsunami 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋