Rocky problems

[sami]

Could just be a cyst, they are very comon. Maybe he has pulled a hair out by the root when licking and this has turned to a sebaceous cyst. I would leave it a few days and just monitor it. Shepherds are prone to cysts etc. The problem is we all look for problems to a certain extent once we have had probs.

[Mac]

Thanks Traci and I know what you mean and I'll look into what you suggest but this is about an inch circumference?

Feels hard and he'll let me do almost anything with him but he's aware of it and I know this is what's been causing his problems - However I dont know whether to be happy having saved him from the knife or dreading the thought it could be more ominous

But hoping for

[sami]

I would just monitor it until you get to the vets next week and then get the vet to have a feel. It could be a fatty lump also which is nothing to worry about. Vets imo can be a bit quick to jump in to biopsy lumps, which often involves an anaesthetic which personally I am not in favour of, I think it is often just income generation for them.

Can he not have a needle biopsy with a sedation if necessary?

[Mac]

Hi All,

Well the vet said he's not worried about the lump (thinks its a cyst) I hope he's right but for me its getting bigger - and it seem to be harder and getting really hard and I don't like it??

He's to stay on the anti-biotics for a further two weeks (and these HAVE stopped him licking - no question) but this lump is REALLY worrying me - Any ideas.

He's stretching this leg himself every time he gets up, so its clearly bothering him??

Jim.

[wildmoor]

possibly Calcinosis circumsripta a non cancerous tumor made of calcium deposits if it keeps growing book him in for op to remove and have histology done

[sami]

Jim I have learned over the years that with shepherds you have to be relaxed about lumps. Otherwise you will be in a near constant state of panic, at the vets every week and very poor.

German Shepherds are very prone to lumps of all sorts.

Cysts are VERY common, in fact I dont think there have been many times when at least one of mine have not had a cyst. These do grow and get hard, sometimes they burst on there own.

Sami must have at least half a dozen fatty lumps and Leo has one too. Again nothing to worry about.

I am not saying you should ignore lumps but if this is the first one you have found you have been lucky and, trust me, it wont be the last.

Trust your vet and unless it becomes a problem for the dog leave well alone.

That aside I am glad Rocky is doing better.