Lump in groin - who knows what it could be?

[Ilona & Gina]

This morning I found a quail-egg sized, soft lump in Gina's left groin. When I touch it, I can actually move it. It doesn't seem to hurt.

 

I made an appointment with a naturopath. Fortunately I could get one on Monday morning. I don't want to go to the vet straight away, because all they do is pump the dogs with antibiotics or steroids. (I will see a vet though if the naturopath can't help)

 

Meanwhile (to keep myself calm) does anyone have a suggestion what this could be? She was spayed at the age of six months. I've never felt a lump on her, and I examine her every day when I brush her or give her fuss.

 

Can it be serious?? She's just 2 years old, gets the best food and is otherwise fit as a fiddle. I've just discovered it hours ago, it may go away, but I am a bit worried.

 

She has atopic dermatitis, but we manage with desensitization and without steroids.

The last few days she has been withdrawing a lot, wanting her peace and quiet. But that can be because she and her brother sometimes have their typical sibling tiffs.

 

Other than that she enjoys our jogs and she chases the birds and she jumps up and down like a happy little yoyo and she responds to training and she has good street manners (not always so good house manners). In sum, she seems to be a happy little dog.

 

I know that I can't expect a diagnosis - after all you can't see my dog.

 

But has anyone else ever found such a lump on their dog? And what was it?

 

 

[Melinda Auld]

If it feels rubbery and moves easily under the skin, it is possibly a lipoma - a fatty, non-malignant tumour. I'd get it checked to be sure. But if it is, it is safe.

[Corinne Wakefield]

Hi Ilona

I agree with Melinda's comments. Good luck for Monday.

I am interested in your comment about atopic dermatitis and desensitization without steroids.Ryan is 6 and has for the past 2 years spats of "eruptions" (Furunculosis) on his paws/legs and the vets course of action is steroids. Desensitization - I am interested to know what do you do?

[Ilona & Gina]

Thank you!

To the desensitization thing: Gina was diagonsed by the vet, who pumped her with steroids. I changed the vet, who referred me to our University vet clinic. They tested Gina for allergenes. She's allergic to 46 different things including Eucalyptus - great, we live in Australia - and dandelion. They put together a desensitization liquid, which contains homeopatic traces of the stuff she is allergic to. I have a schedule according to which I give her injections, which is now every 3 weeks. The injections 'nudge' her immune system to develop anti-bodies to these allergenes (in layman-English). It works in about 60 % of allergic dogs and is terribly expensive. If you have pet insurance, thank our canine Creators!

Atopic dermatitis will not be cured, but it can be managed. It is an entire program, including these shots, washing your dog with an oatmeal - aloe vera shampoo, giving her or him fish oil (4 - 8 capsules a day), and sometimes antihistamines. It is quite a job, but it works.

I found with Gina that steroids make it worse. First you see the symptons fading away rather quickly, but it will come back, and worse every time. Dogs can develop cushing syndrome, get puffed up, bloated, lethargic, and as a long term therapy, steroids can shorten the life of a dog. The dog can develop diabetes, liver problems, kidney problems, all sorts of stuff. If you have the opportunity (and can live on water and dry bread to pay the bills :)), either go to a naturopath, or to your university vet clinic!

In the long run, your vet bills will certainly be a lot cheaper though.

Good Luck!

[Corinne Wakefield]

Thank you very much for your comments and advice.

Fortunately, Ryan has only been on short-term courses of steroids, but you are right, they work quickly to ease the inflamation but do not cure the route cause of the "outbreak".

I did look at the allergy route so will do some more research and talk to my vet about tests etc. TYVM

Good luck today with Gina.

[Ilona & Gina]

Thank you for all your comfort!

The naturopath found that is a swollen Lymphnode. She is on Chinese Herbs now. Everything is fine!

[Corinne Wakefield]

Great - good news :-)

[Catherine Carter]

So good to hear your good news!