Dogs' Tails!

[ghengis]

I have just noticed a lump (about the size of a pea) on the underside of my Springer's tail, near her bottom. Is this normal or should I call the vet? It doesn't seem to be bothering her much but I'm sure it wasn't there before.

A lump can be many things. Some dogs get lumps that are just fat composite. But if you are worried - for you own peace of mind as well as your Springers health you should take her to the Vet.

might be the anal glands swelling. does she rub her bum along the ground?

No, but she has been licking at the area (!). She had her glands done about a month ago. Very weird!

might just be they need doing again. not a pleasant thing is it?!!?? i used to work at a veterinary surgery!!

Hi Ghengis
The lump could be a benign thing (ie not a nasty), but sounds like it is irritating her. I'd get it checked up as it will be easy to remove when small, if you let it get bigger then it will be more difficult to take off.
It is possible that there is an irritation due to anal glands, or fleas(!) or even a sting.
You need to stop her from licking at it too much, as they can make a real mess if they keep going at sore bits. Get an elizabethan collar for her, which is always amusing!
I would get it checked out if it doesn't go away once she has stopped licking. I wouldn't think it is an emergency, maybe get a collar for over the weekend and then make an appt next week.
PS make sure it isn't a boiled sweet stuck to her fur in her tail. I am a vet who has been called out late at night for just such a crisis! I didn't charge the owners anything as I felt it was a good value dinner party story!
Hope it all goes well.

madcyclist (love the name, btw) she has stopped licking it but the hard lump is still there. Definitely not a boiled sweet! When I press on it she doesn't react and she is otherwise very well but I will mention it to the vet next time we visit. Thanks for your advice.