[Devmia]

Warning…picture…

Hello all. I have an older dog who has (he’s had it for a while now) a cyst??? On his leg. I’ve taken him to the vet before regarding this. They said that it couldn’t be removed due to two issues. One being that he’s old, wouldn’t handle anesthesia very well, and two, the location of the growth. Apparently it’s on a main vein/artery. My question is do any of you have any idea what this could be?? I’m taking him to a different vet tomorrow. This past weekend it started looking like this (will attach pic). In the past it’s always been covered by fur. I have no idea what this could be and the vet wasn’t very helpful either.

 

[RonE]

Honestly, I don't know how a bunch of of non-vet strangers on an Internet forum are going to be able to tell you more than a vet who has actually examined your dog. I don't mean to be harsh, but if someone here guesses wrong, it could be very bad for your dog and, because of liability, for the forum.

Please consult another vet and let us know what she says.

 

[Devmia]

yes trust me I understand that. I am simply posting to see if anyone had experience with this. I have taken him to the vet twice now. Going again tomorrow to another vet. Just simply asking if anyone had experience. Again I understand that strangers aren’t going to cure my dog………. Just simply looking for possible experience with this type of situation.., Which I thought that’s what this form was for??

 

[Lillith]

What kind of tests did the vet do on it? Did they needle aspirate the site? Any further biopsies? I would be surprised if they hadn't. And yes, vets might not recommend removing a benign lump that is not affecting movement or causing pain on an older dog because it is surgery, and it has risks.

But, you didn't say if your vet tested it or did blood work or anything, so if they haven't you should make sure they needle aspirate the lump, at least, and check for abnormalities. If they find something malignant, they might send a sample to a lab for further testing or refer you to a specialist if they're not able to treat the issue themselves.

 

[DaySleepers]

Lumps are extremely hard to diagnose visually, even for professionals. Just like how humans need strange lumps biopsied to determine whether they're dangerous or benign. Your best bet is to do as Lilith said and have a vet do whatever kind of tissue sample they feel is best, so they or a specialty laboratory can look at the cells under a microscope.