[Claire's Friend]

Came a little early this year, but I will still like your input. Friday night, I was brushing my 16 year old Golden, Erin, when I found a large lump on her front wrist. It is the size of a small chicken egg. My heart sank as I realized she would probably not survive any kind of operation at her age. Needless to say, I was at the Vet's when they opened Sat. morning. The Dr. shaved and then aspirated the lump. Right away she told me it was NOT bone cancer, and then when she checked the cells, they were all clear . WHEW !!! Dx is a joint inflamation, like water on the knee. I am to apply warm compresses 3 times a day, which I have done since Sat. It does not seem to be getting any better yet. We go back to the Vet's on Thursday. Has anybody ever had this or heard of this before? In 35 years of owning and rescuing dogs I never have. I am posting a pic, the redness is from where they apirated it and it is gone now. In the mean time, she is getting lots of extra hugs and kisses from her Mommy and Daddy. Thanks.

 

[Oaklys Dad]

I'm sure that was a bit "Phew" moment. So glad to it wasn't the dreaded "C" word. Having had old gold in the past I remember well how my heart sank when I would feel a new lump or bump. Thankfully most of them are benign.

 

[jlc's mom]

I'm so glad things turned out for the good.

 

[BeauShel]

I wonder if it could be a sebacious cyst? My old gold Beau used to get cysts all the time and I would put the compresses on them and one day one burst all on its own. Thank goodness it wasnt "C". It is so hard when they get old. If you want it removed, you might ask about a local with a light sedation. That is what we were going to do with Beau but he started having some other health issues and I lost him.

 

[Debles]

I am so sorry she has an owie but so glad it isn't cancer.

My almost 11 year old has lots of fatty tumors, I worry every time I feel a new one.

 

[FlyingQuizini]

Actually, my Whippet has something similar. She has a "knob" on the inside of her wrist. I noticed it when she was about 3 and took her in. They x-rayed it and decided it was from having blown out the joint fluid in that wrist. Said she may end up arthritic when she's older, but she's 9 now and it's never been a problem yet. She still runs for fun and even lure courses from time to time.

 

[Allan's Girl]

No advice here. I am so very sorry to hear about Erin's Owie. Poor sweet girl! I know she has the best Mommy who will take the very best care of her.

 

[coppers-mom]

I am so glad you got a christmas miracle. These old guys (and gals) really keep us worried.

Was there any infection in the fluid they aspirated? My old guy recently had a huge lump on his chest that was (after 4 vet visits) diagnosed as an infection of unknown cause. His was red and inflammed though. it took at least 4 different antibiotics and multiple aspirations until one I worked (I believe it is well, but he is due for a checkup).

If it does not improve in the next few days another opinion might be good since they might give you a better idea on how to treat Erin's lump. My regular vet finally admitted he was at a loss about Copper's lump and we went to a specialist.
It might also help to increase the number of times you apply the compress.

I hope it just goes away and all is better soon. I'm sure she is enjoying the extra higs and kisses.

 

[Ljilly28]

I absolutely loved and appreciated this post about a goldie veteran not having cancer in such a sudden lump. So heartening. I am very glad for you and for her.

 

[coppers-mom]

Yeah - I had to wait out the verdict on Copper's horrible lump last month. They were pretty sure it was cancer on initial exam, but came back pretty quickly to tell me it was an infection!

I got my Christmas miracle early too.:

Does Erin's lump seem to hurt her at all? I don't know much about this kind of thing, but if the hot compresses aren't enough ask the vet about alternating hot and cold compresses. That's what I have to do on myself and my horse.

I hope someone with more knowledge checks in and gives you good advice. Give Erin a hug and kiss for me too! She wuold probably be okay about getting just one or two more if she is like my old gold.

 

[hotel4dogs]

what great news, and cause to celebrate!

 

[Our3dogs]

Glad to hear the dx! Wish I could offer some advice, but just wanted to you to know that Logan, Lacey, and Ralphie are thinking good thoughts for all of you.

 

[goldensmum]

Oh blimey - lumps and bumps strike fear in all of us, and so glad that it is not the dreaded C. Ginny had a similar lump although not as big and hers was an infection, we used a hot compress (the vet said as hot as she could stand it) and we did that about 3 times a day, it gradually went down only to reappear again and finally went after a stronger dose of a/b.

Sending hugs for your golden oldie

 

[Hiroko]

I am happy that it is nothing so serious. I hope you both are doing just fine!

 

[Claire's Friend]

Thanks guys !! It's sounds just like what FQ was talking about. There was no infection at the time of the aspirate. But I think they are hesitant to drain it any more in fear of infection. I did ask about antibiotics when I went in but none were needed at that time. It is not painful but we did but her on Metacam just in case. There are 4 Vets at this hospital, I may have another one take a look at it too.

 

[Florabora22]

Our silver goldens always give us good scares - I'm glad this was a false alarm! I hope it goes away soon.

 

[Willow52]

I'm so glad to hear it's nothing serious and hope Erin's bump is better.