Was giving Snowie his usual “rub down” tummy tickle that he gets every night at bedtime and felt a tiny lump next to his penis. Monitored it for a few days, then panicked after googling (and remembering posts on this forum about lumps). Immediate vet visit. Vet reckons it’s a nipple! Probably a little inflamed, his tummy skin has been itchy. She said too small even to do a needle biopsy, so just monitor it. But she was concerned about the nipple above the new one I found. It’s always looked strange - pink and black and spreads out and puffy feel. Always looked like this. I was worried some years ago and asked the vet - I didn’t realize then it was also a nipple! Then, she said just monitor it. She did say all his nipples are odd, some inverted. This one hasn’t changed. Vet said to photograph it once a week and monitor it for changes - if crusty, ulcerated, inflamed, to come back immediately. She said male dogs can get mammary cancer but that it’s slow growing and one does have time for first monitoring before doing anything. She’s not keen to have Snowie unnecessarily undergo general aesthetic cos he’s epileptic. She did say he looks in fantastic health, great coat - which surprised her given his itchiness. Good weight. And she said he’s always a pleasure to have in her office - he rolled over for examination when I asked him to! Always friendly to the other dogs. Proud moment!
Oh gosh, another worry! Poor Snowie - but what a good boy!! And I suppose the weird nipple isn't bothering him.
Oh bless him for being a good boy , Sam adored our Vet, makes life so much easier x I`m afraid I am paranoid about lumps , for obvious reasons , so you did 100% the right thing to have it looked and monitored .
He doesn’t appear to be particularly bothered by his nipples, any of them. He does sometimes lick on either side of his penis a lot, excessively. He’s been to the vet about that. Itchiness is all they can say, had several tests. Vet thinks he licked the nipple and it got inflamed. I guess I can worry a lot (I don’t need any encouragement, I’m very good at that!). Or I can just monitor it and go back if any changes. She did say that lumps should not be ignored, to send her photos if I’m concerned.
I understand your concern. Our previous lab was epileptic and you do feel more protective toward them I think and watch for anything else that could be a problem for them. Your vet sounds pretty well on the ball, good advice about taking photos and comparing any changes. Fingers crossed that there is nothing sinister about Snowie's nipples.
So sorry you're going through this it is hard,just photo and keep an eye on them. Labs are lumpy dogs it's such a big worry.xxx hugs to you all.
Fingers crossed it doesn’t get any worse and is just because he licked it a bit too much. I’m a bit paranoid too and always go to the vet to be on the safe side.
