A few weeks ago I noticed a very small tumor developing on my pugs hind leg. Initially I have been told it's a fatty tumor, but no tests have been run. The last few days it has gotten huge and is red and you can tell it's bothering her. I am calling my regular vet first thing in the morning and get her in on an emergency visit but am wondering about tumors in general. Do cancerous tumors grow quickly? Do they look red and irritated? I have had her for about 12 yrs now and am worried sick... Any sincere feedback is appriciated. Thanks!
2007-10-07 22:09:43 · 7 answers · asked by Sniggle 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
This thing started of small an hard, very well defined, about the size of a golf ball for about 6 - 8 weeks, then a few days ago I noticed it had grown considerably. My fiance and I decided to schedual her to be looked at this coming week. But tonight it is looking red and irritated. It appears that she has been licking it. She just looks so uncomfortable. Until today it wasn't red or raw looking. It now is about the size of a tennis ball (roughly) It grew this much literally in a matter of a couple of weeks. Does anyone know of I website with photos I can refer to? I have been doing a search but can't find any informative pics.... Thanks all!
2007-10-07 23:07:42 · update #1
Obviously I can't see your dog, or the tumour on her leg, but I'll do what I can to answer your question.
Yes, some cancerous tumours will grow quickly, and can become irritated, but this doesn't mean that her tumour is a cancer. It could quite as easily be something like a benign cyst. A leg is an odd place for a fatty tumour to develop- these are far more common on the body than the limbs. Any tumour, whether benign or cancerous can become red and irritated- all it takes is a little knock, or the dog to scratch or lick at it.
You're certainly doing the right thing by getting it looked at ASAP. The vet will almost certainly do a fine needle aspirate (getting some cells out of the lump with a needle & syringe to look at under the microscope) and with any luck, this will give a good indication of what the tumour is and what your next step should be. If it's bothering her, it should probably to be removed whether it is cancerous or not.
I hope that everything will be okay (remember, even if it is cancerous, a lot of cancers in animals CAN be treated). Try not to worry too much in the meantime.
ADD: That is VERY rapid growth and would have me quite concerned- if it is a cancer, that would suggest that it is quite aggressive. I would be starting to worry about something like a soft-tissue sarcoma or osteosarcoma. Unfortunately I can't find any decent photographs online either. Hopefully you'll be able to get in to see your vet tomorrow. They'll be able to tell you far more than any of us can.
2007-10-07 22:27:46 · answer #1 · answered by Loz 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cancers are usually hard and ill defined when they are tumors. Sometime skin cancers or even tumors develop to the point of a sore that won't heal. It can be red, but is rarely painful unless it is extremely far advanced. They don't usually grow quite this fast, but it's possible.
This sounds more like an infection or pus pocket. Did you take her to the vet? She probably needs some antibiotics. If she has a house mate or other dog friend, it probably started from a nip in play.
2007-10-07 22:58:17 · answer #2 · answered by mama woof 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The first thing to do is have a fine needle aspirate done of the mass. This is a simple procedure for your veterinarian to do in the office, and is no more difficult for your dog than a vaccine. Then they can examine the type of cells and decide on if removal or monitoring is in order. There are plenty of types of benign skin growths that occur in older dogs, so don't worry too much about cancer yet, but get it checked. In some cases, surgical removal is curative, but that depends on the type of cancer. In some cases, the time it may take to recur may be quite long, and not a concern, due to the age of your dog. Good luck and I hope it is benign.
2016-05-18 22:25:17 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally lipomas (fat lumps) grow slowly over months.
Malignant tumour grow much faster.
Yes some cancers can look red and irritated.
Best to get a punch biopsy done which will tell you what kind of tumour it is and what kind of surgical margins (how much skin and muscle needs to be removed to get all the cells) are required. Or some people opt to go straight for surgery and have 2-4cm surgical margins and get histopath done to ensure have all the cells. Histopath will rate the severity of the tumour and indicate whether chemo or radiation is required.
2007-10-07 22:32:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Honestly,I don't know much.My friend who has cancer,also has a dog with cancer.I was there two weeks ago,and saw the big knot on this dogs front "shoulder".I was astounded,but the vet said because the dog also had it in his throat,that he shouldn't put him through the leg surgery because he was old and terminal. Last week I went by and the knot on his leg was humongous.So,to tell you the truth,it may not be good answers you'll be getting.Sorry.
2007-10-07 23:50:14 · answer #5 · answered by Shar Pei Lady 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, Obviously the Vet is the only place to go. I'm sure that he/she will give you all the information that you need, so don't hesitate in quizzing him thoroughly. It's important not to let the dog suffer.
Good luck.
2007-10-07 22:15:21 · answer #6 · answered by Barry K 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my grandmas dog had atumor on her chest it grew to the size of like almost a basketball more soccerball size and it was purpleish redish and she was short so it would drag against the ground and blled but because it was on her chest she wasnt able to get it removed or she would die when my grandma got sick her kids decided to take sandy to the vet and get it removed cause they didnt believe her and shedied shortly after
2007-10-07 22:16:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋