Just back from the vet. Molly has a small (pea-sized) lump on one of her mammaries. The vet said it was very unusual for such a young dog (she'll be two at the end of August) and also said it was very unlikely to be cancerous. She then gave me a name for what it most likely is and for the life of me I can't remember it. The vet did however say it would be best to remove it, which I've agreed to, but as Molly is due to be spayed in 7 weeks she said it could be left till then, to save giving her 2 GAs so close together. I asked if her spay could be brought forward, but she didn't think that was a good idea. So I've just got to keep an eye on it and go back if it grows or changes. The next seven weeks are going to be very long.
Really sorry to hear of Molly's lump. Even though you've been told it's nothing to worry about it's bound to be a concern until it's removed and proved to be benign, it's only natural. Did the vet give a reason why it isn't a good idea to bring the spay forward? I can certainly understand why you wouldn't want 2 GAs close together, t's bad enough when there are no other options. Although seven weeks sounds a long time, the days will quickly go and of course you've got the forum here for support.
Oh dear, that's a worry. But good you've had it checked out and there is a plan. Try not to worry, your vet sounds sensible. Although, not sure why a spay couldn't be brought forward by a few weeks for a 2 year old dog? It's not like she is particularly young to be being spayed. Is it something to do with the timing of seasons and the best time to spay (not having a bitch I'm not up on things like this)?
Yes, it's to do with when her last season ended. The vet told me that until 3 months after the end of the season, the blood vessels will still be enlarged (plus one or two other season related things which I also don't seem to have taken in) which makes a spay operation much more risky / difficult. I keep telling myself that the vet obviously doesn't feel I should be worried or she would have operated sooner - but it's hard not to fret. Molly seems completely fine ,behaving as usual and touching the lump doesn't cause her pain or discomfort.
You`re right re the timing of the spay, three months after the last season is the very best time and I`m sure if your Vet thought the lump needed more urgent attention, he would have suggested removal earlier . Doesn't stop the worry though , hugs for you x
Oh gosh what a worry. But you've been to see the vet, got the best advice he could give you, and you have a plan going forward. So hang in there. If it really worries you too much to wait, you could always ask for a second opinion, but if you trust your vet then I would go with his suggestion.
It is not a good idea to bring the spay forward JulieT as there is a lot of enlarged blood vessels and it is advised to spay between seasons for that reason. If the lump feels like a well defined rounded pea, it is probably alright; I am sure if the vet was concerned she would have removed it now. Try not to worry but of course if you are at all concerned, straight back to the vet.
Most lumps are absolutely nothing and I'm sure the vet would've advised swift action if it was suspicious. Hope the next 7 weeks go by fast though as it is always a stress when things aren't perfectly right with our dogs.
I hope everything goes well for Molly I'm sure it will. As has been said lumps usually turn out to be nothing. My old lab had quite a few little lumps and warty things removed including a big one that had started to matter, looked scary but again was nothing. All the little ones were removed when he was having an op for something else like the vet has suggested with molly. Try not to worry although I know that's impossible.
It's always a worry when we find lumps on our dogs. Hattie had a lump on her leg in February, it was surgically removed and it turned out to be none cancerous, but I worried myself sick, so no point in telling you not to worry because you will and that's natural. Thinking about you xxx
Thanks, Jen and Helen. I remember Hattie had a lump removed not so long ago, so fingers crossed for the same good outcome for Molly. I do seem to have calmed down a bit now.
