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Original poster

Terrified about this

31 replies

extremelyworried3 · 04/10/2023 00:22

Hi,

I know nobody can help specifically but I’m just worried sick and won’t be getting any sleep because of it. I’m really hoping it’s nothing and I’m working myself into a state about nothing but I’m so frightened.

my dog is my entire life. I’m not ashamed to admit that. She is my rock that keeps me going. Everyday off work is spent taking her on fun adventures, trips, spending time with her and she really is my best friend in the entire world. She’s a 5yo golden retriever. I had a horrendous life growing up and managed to get a good degree, job, house etc and have a happy adult life and I got my dog to start my new life together with and she’s been my absolute rock. I’m sure you get the picture by now, she’s fab ❤️

but tonight when I was brushing her I found a lump. It’s at the end of her ribs- at first I thought it was her last rib because it’s last in line with them all but it feels much thicker than a rib and it doesn’t feel like a rib. She also doesn’t have it on the otherside. She’s been well in herself but was definitely unhappy with me touching it and putting gentle pressure on it so I think it’s sore to touch.

im going to call the vet tomorrow- I know it’s unlikely to be anything sinister as she’s a young dog etc and she’s been well in herself but goldens are just so prone to cancer and I’m absolutely terrified this is something bad. I’m not at all anxious about things normally but she’s my best friend and I’m so so worried this is something bad x

OP posts:
ErrolTheDragon · 04/10/2023 00:28

Oh, I'm sorry, I do hope the vet can tell you what it is tomorrow. My old dog had all sorts of lumps and bumps, none of which were really problems.

It's understandable you're worried, try to get some rest if you can.Flowers

Scutterbug · 04/10/2023 00:29

Try to keep calm. We found a lump on our labradoodle a couple of years ago. The vet did a biopsy and nothing sinister was found. She still has the lump and is a very bouncy, over friendly, bonkers 8 year old!

Catsmere · 04/10/2023 00:30

Not at all unreasonable to be scared! I feel the same with unknown and potentially dangerous things with my cats. Vibes for the vet finding it's nothing bad!

XenoBitch · 04/10/2023 00:32

A lump can be so many things. The chance of it being something sinister is a lot less than it being something not scary. But by taking your DDog to the vets, you are getting there early regardless of what it is.

I hope vet appointment goes well Flowers

Alissia · 04/10/2023 00:33

Currently on our third golden, spanning 34 years. Brilliant dogs.
They’re susceptible to hip problems which beset our first (at 16), whereas the second had sepsis.
Has she banged into anything? It could be something quite innocuous plus you’re acting swiftly. Give her a cuddle and trust all will be well.

TravellingT · 04/10/2023 00:50

I wonder if it could be an inflamed/irritated xiphoid process?

Fingers crossed, it's nothing. You've found it which is good, and it'll be checked asap which is even better. She's young, healthy otherwise I assume? These are all positive factors, so even if it's something that needs seeing to, she's got a head start. Keep positive, by tomorrow you'll know more.

I'm very proud of what you've achieved, I can't tell which of you is luckier!

WhichEllie · 04/10/2023 01:20

How is her weight? They’re also prone to lipomas which are common and completely benign.

Hebditch · 04/10/2023 03:03

Please make a cup of tea and take some deep breaths. I also have a dog I absolutely ADORE, so I get it! It could be any one of a number of things which are not sinister. My boy has had two such lumps in the past year (he is 4 years old) and both times the vet was able to aspirate them- taking a fluid sample- and both were completely harmless. Whatever she faces health-wise in her life, she is extremely blessed to be loved so much by you. Do try to get some sleep 💖

Ruthietuthie · 04/10/2023 03:08

My dog has something definite sticking out on one side, at the end of where her rib-cage is.
Someone patted her on the street and said that it was bad, even that they thought it may be a tumor. Of course, I was petrified. But when I got it checked out, apparently it was a floating rib and meant to be there. I had no idea and actually hadn't noticed it before.
I am keeping everything crossed that it is the same for you and your lovely dog.

PriOn1 · 04/10/2023 03:30

I’m a vet. Tumours (including most cancerous tumours) are generally not painful at all, so if you felt she was finding it painful, then it’s more likely to be some kind of inflammation.

It’s definitely worth getting it checked out for peace of mind, but if she’s young, that also means she’s statistically much less likely to have anything serious.

HappyPurrrsday · 04/10/2023 04:24

Could just be a lipoma which is like a fatty lump that dogs can live with for a very long time, doesn’t affect them, very common. Think my dog probably got one around age 6-7 and he lived til over 13. He got a couple more as he aged.

https://www.vets4pets.com/pet-health-advice/dog-advice/fatty-lumps-and-lipomas/

Fatty Lumps And Lipomas

Lipomas and fatty lumps are very common in dogs. Learn more about this symptom and if you have to seek medical advice and treatment.

https://www.vets4pets.com/pet-health-advice/dog-advice/fatty-lumps-and-lipomas/

HappyPurrrsday · 04/10/2023 04:29

I will also say I took my dog to the vet A LOT in that 13 years for weird lumps, bumps and suspected tumours and it was never anything sinister!!!! in fact, twice vets told me they didn’t like the look of what they were seeing, and twice it turned out to be nothing!

Hopefully it will be nothing for you too & your your dog will be fine

MunchMunch · 04/10/2023 04:47

My lab had fatty lumps and the vet was never worried about them. He did have one removed as it has grown absolutely massive (started going up near his throat down to the end of his ribs on his right side). He recovered very well and he must have been so much more comfortable with it gone.

I hope the vet appointment goes well.

MunchMunch · 04/10/2023 05:00

Sorry it as his left side and I'll try and add a photo of how big it went even though the photo doesn't do the size any justice!

pyjamalife · 04/10/2023 06:45

Another one who has a dog who loves years with a fatty lump in the exact same position. Not sure about the colouring so hopefully someone with a lab can confirm. .

Good luck. My little dog is also my world! It's devastating to think something could happen to them.

Alissia · 04/10/2023 09:01

Let us know how you get on OP?

Scylax · 04/10/2023 11:53

I feel the same about my little dog and I’d be just as terrified. Hopefully just a fatty lump or small injury or similar, but you’re definitely right to get it checked as soon as possible for both your sake and your dog’s. Hopefully it’s nothing or very minor, or if it is worse, caught early so that treatment can be 100%. I do feel for you, and please let us know how things go <3

Original poster
extremelyworried3 · 07/10/2023 20:55

Hi! I’m really sorry about the delay in getting back. Our vets are fab and said to bring her down and get checked straight away. It was just a floating rib after all! Can’t even explain how big a relief it was 😊❤️ thanks for all the advice!

OP posts:
leli · 07/10/2023 20:59

Oh that’s wonderful news OP! Very happy for you. And congratulations on finding a way to make a happy life after a horrendous childhood. I know that’s not easy.

Alissia · 07/10/2023 21:08

Wonderful news, OP! Give your dog a cuddle from me too!

Bonbon21 · 07/10/2023 21:17

Phew! What a relief!
Doggies are very precious....😀

Catsmere · 07/10/2023 21:18

Wonderful news, OP! So glad for you both!

Tarquina · 07/10/2023 21:18

I'm jealous of your relationship with your lovely dog. She sounds 1,000 times better than a boyfriend.

sakura06 · 07/10/2023 21:27

So glad your dog is ok!

Chickenwing2 · 07/10/2023 21:51

Thank you for updating & so glad your dog is OK! From another golden mum who adores her dog too. They are the sweetest!