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Hello, I sure hope you can help, we have a white lab mix ...


Sent to Pet Experts May 31, 2006 12:07 a.m.

Hello, I sure hope you can help, we have a white lab mix about 8 years old Presious is her name and she seems to have started developing these smoth bumps like maybe ticks buried under the skin she always has been tick free.They also look like a wort to me and they are showing up more lately.I have had some bad health issues last year and am streatched pretty thin on money.
Any help would be appreciated very much.
Thank You
Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Optional Information:
Age: 8; Female; Breed: White lab mix

Already Tried:
nothing just keeping her clean as possible of fleas and never saw a tick on her.she sure has been eating a little more vegitation lately.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $9   
Info Request
May 31, 2006 1:05 a.m. (57 minutes and 33 seconds later)
REPLIED to Info Request Check Mark

Are the bumps real firm or kind of soft?
Can you put your fingers all the way around the lumps and move it around or are they anchored to something beneath the skin?
Do the bumps ever get bigger and ooze a gray, toothpaste kind of material? Or do you ever find scabs on the bumps or where a bump used to be?
Is she otherwise doing well- eating and drinking, no vomiting or diarrhea?
RGK  -- Veterinarian -- 100% Positive Feedback on 90 Pet Accepts
5 years experience as small animal vet, 16 years experience in the animal care field
Reply to RGK
Sent May 31, 2006 1:47 a.m. (42 minutes and 29 seconds later)

Yes the bumps are firm the largest one is on her front leg she doesn't touch it herself but as I just now looked at it it seemed to bother her a little.The one on her leg is larger and looks like it or feals like it is attached under the skin,I see no fluids as I put a little preasure around it.It kind of looks like boil that humans get.It appears the other ones are not as large and the shape seems a little flatter with a few hairs still left on then.Most of them are bald and kind of white light skin color.
The largest one is about the size of a eraser on the end of a pencil.
She is eating and drinking but as I said earlier she seems to be eating a lot of grass and greens every day,I never noticed this much before.
I had to down grade dogfood when I had my heartattack not working I'm feading her the purina beniful salmon and rice for about a year now.I hope this helped you and I really appreciate your interest and help with our preshious.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
May 31, 2006 2:04 a.m. (16 minutes and 39 seconds later)
REPLIED Check Mark

Of course without an in-person exam I can't be definitive, but generally the kinds of lumps you're describing are benign. They might be sebaceous gland cysts, epitrichial cysts, or adenomas. Some kinds will grow a bit bigger and will rupture, exuding a grey, toothpaste-like material. Papillomas are often hairless, and sometimes look a bit like cauliflower.
The only one I might be concerned about is the one on her front leg, as you said this may bother her and seems deeper, attached.
When you are financially able, a vet visit would be a good idea to get them checked out. Usually, if they are one of the types of lumps listed above, a visual inspection is enough to confirm the diagnosis. If your vet was concerned, he'd recommend a fine needle aspirate. This involves taking a sample of the lump with a needle and syringe. It's fairly painless, quick, and shouldn't be too costly. There are a few malignant tumors, such as mast cell tumors, that may appear benign. So monitor these lumps closely for changes in size, color, or texture.
Watch your dog for signs of lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in behavior or other changes in appetite. The grass eating likely has nothing to do with the lumps, but she is, at 8 years old, considered a senior dog. So she's coming into a time of life when we start to see more digestive problems, metabolic problems, etc.
I hope this information was helpful to you.
RGK  -- Veterinarian -- 100% Positive Feedback on 90 Pet Accepts
5 years experience as small animal vet, 16 years experience in the animal care field
Reply to RGK
Sent May 31, 2006 2:17 a.m. (13 minutes and 11 seconds later)

It seems you got it perfect in that they look like coliflower.Is there any recomandation on a ointmant or something?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
May 31, 2006 2:23 a.m. (5 minutes and 33 seconds later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

The only treatment for papillomas is surgical removal. This generally isn't necessary as it is more of a cosmetic problem than anything else. They are very common in older dogs and most dogs don't just get one, they get a whole bunch. Sometimes the dog will chew at them a little or they will get nicked when brushing or clipping the haircoat. If that occurs, then a little topical antibiotic ointment like Neosporin or Bacitracin will help prevent secondary infection.
Other than that, we just live with the imperfections!
RGK  -- Veterinarian -- 100% Positive Feedback on 90 Pet Accepts
5 years experience as small animal vet, 16 years experience in the animal care field

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