[coppers-mom]

I've had a post in the health portion, but really want some advice now.
Copper had been to the vet 3 times in the last 2 weeks for a lump on his chest which was diagnosed as 1st an insect bite and 2nd possible snake bite.
He has had antibiotics and steroids. I think the diagnosis is wrong and am scared it is a mast cell tumor.
the swelling has gone down since his antibiotic shot and prednisone meds starting yesterday. I washed the area and here is what it looks like. It is hot and itchy, but doggone sure doesn't look like a bite to me.

 

[fostermom]

Is that his nipple or is that part of the "bite"?

 

[coppers-mom]

It is located about where his uppermost nipple would be, but I couldn't find a matching one on the other side so I don't know if that is what this nipple looking item really is.

 

[fostermom]

That's really big! I don't know what to tell you. It seems to me that if it has gone down in size with antibiotics and steroids, that is good news.

 

[coppers-mom]

It went down the first time too and then came back. It was even bigger than this when we went in yesterday. You couldn't see the nipple looking thing because the swelling was so difuse.

 

[Debles]

That is scary! I'd get a second opinion. or go to a vet school.

 

[Rastadog]

ask the vet to aspirate it.

They should known within 20 min- 30 min if it's a mast cell. They stain the aspirate and look thru a microscope. If it is a mast cell it will need to come off asap. Good vets make mistakes on mast cells. I have been thru this with two dogs. Good luck

 

[iluvlucy]

i agree with debles- that is big so would get a 2nd opinion. hmmmm.. poor thing.. hope hes ok- that is nervewracking for you..

 

[coppers-mom]

Sheesh. They've never mentioned aspirating anything. It's not like I don't just suck it up and pay the bills either.

I don't know which vet will be there tomorrow. I'll call this afternoon and see who will be there and if he even knows how to aspirate and check. If not, I'll get a referral to the specialist. They won't see him without one.

I've got to get a new vet - at least for Copper. This would not be the first wrong diagnosis and even worse I have wasted precious time believing it was an insect sting/snake bit.

Poor old fella. He just always has issues and I try and try to get him good care and take good care of him, but it seems to backfire a lot.

 

[Doodle]

Definitely ask to have it aspirated and they will tell you then and there what it is. My previous golden had mast cell and this doesn't look anything like his tumor, but mast cell has many presentations so that unfortunately doesn't mean anything. Let us know how you make out.

 

[Doodle]

One other thought, until you know what it is, try not to manipulate it (or let him scratch at it). If it is mast cell cancer, disturbing the tumor can release histamine and other chemicals into his body that aren't good.

 

[coppers-mom]

I'll go check again and see if he has a matching nipple on the other side.

Since he has never had a litter his nipples are small and hard to see through the hair.

I am in a dither. I sure wish the vet had mentioned aspirating and I wouldn't be so worried. This episode has cost about $250 so far so you know I wouldn't have quibbled about the extra expense.

Maybe it is not a tumor, but some other weirdness.:crossfing I know I've had him far longer than I have any right to expect, but I sure want to have him around a lot longer.:crossfing:crossfing:crossfing:crossfing:crossfing:crossfing:crossfing:crossfing

 

[Augustus McCrae's Mom]

It does look like a nipple, but I guess if it's swelling, then getting smaller, and swelling again, it might not be? Gus only has 7 nipples. 4 on one side and 3 on the other...maybe that's why you can't find the matching nipple? Go count your dogs nipples everyone It is breast cancer awareness month anyway!

 

[coppers-mom]

Doodle,
Thanks for the warning. I read up on mast cell tumors and found out they release histamine so I have basically left it alone until the rinse with a surgical scrub this morning to get a better look and picture.

It is between Copper's front legs (slightly behind) and he can't reach it with his mouth or hind leg.

I have GOT to leave and go to work. I have no set schedule, but I am really pushing it today!

 

[coppers-mom]

So how many is he supposed to have? 8?

 

[hotel4dogs]

please get another opinion! that should have cleared up by now with everything they've given him, unless it isn't what they think it is.
Bottom line, what they're doing isn't working. Time to do something else!

 

[coppers-mom]

I'll get a referral to the specialist. I'll go cry on her shoulder if I have to - that has worked before.

 

[coppers-mom]

I called my regular vet and asked for a referral. He was out to lunch. the pi$$ me off statement was "We'll decide if you need a referral" and get back to you. they obviously can't handle this so what is the problem with the referral.

I then left a message with his internal specialist (who requires a referral) and pleaded for her to see him even if I can't get a referral. If this is out of her jurisdiction I am hoping she can get someone to see Copper who will know what is going on.

Copper had his spleen removed last february and he does heal a lot slower and things he would have shrugged off before become bigger problems so I am hoping that is why this is so slow to resolve.

 

[Doodle]

I called my regular vet and asked for a referral. He was out to lunch. the pi$$ me off statement was "We'll decide if you need a referral" and get back to you.

I don't want to add more fuel to the fire, but that statement would have me leaving that vet and finding another in short order. Yes, they are the experts in vet medicine, but that kind of attitude is unprofessional and unacceptable IMO. Whenever I've felt a lump (or had any kind of situation I felt had some urgency), my vet gets us in same day, or next day at the latest, aspirates it and we're done. I'm sorry they are making an anxious situation more difficult. I hope you get some answers soon!!!

 

[LuckyPup]

Poor Copper. I hope they find out what is causing this and soon. Fos his sake and yours!

I wish I had any advice. I did not even know my dog had 8 nipples so you are ahead of me on that one!

I would definitely search for a new vet like you mentioned and get a second opinion. I would be angry as well with their reaction on the phone today too!

Good Luck. I hope the specialist will make an excpetion and see this pretty boy!