Can somebody look at this lump on Bella and tell me whether it needs an urgent vet's appointment please?

[hiredandsqueak]

Our vets are doing urgent appointments at the minute but I'm hoping that next month they will call Bella in for her yearly MOT as usual. She has though developed a lump on her chin and not sure whether I should ask for an urgent appointment or not. It seemingly doesn't hurt as I can touch it and she doesn't bother and it's not stopped her eating and she seems fit and well but there is that awful niggle that it might be something nasty. She is ten and a half and a Lhasa Apso.

How long has it taken to grow to that size?
She's lovely by the way.

I first noticed it about six weeks ago, it was more black then and less noticeable. It's become more noticeable in the last ten days. She definitely didn't have it ten weeks ago as she was groomed then and the groomer would have pointed it out.

Our 14 yr old dog has various lumps and bumps, the vets can't always tell what they are from a visual/manual examination and generally need to do a needle biopsy or suchlike.

I think I'd be inclined to phone your vets and ask if you can send them some photos then they can decide from there.

I would take her if she was mine, no idea what it is but if it pops it could get infected.

Oh good idea I will send the vet photos and then he can call her in if needs be. I never thought of that! I'm hoping it's just an old age thing (only nobody told Bella she is aging) but you still worry don't you?

My old lab gets lumps like this. Even when cells are biopsied they are non determinable. It sounds like Bella's lump has changed colour which could indicate infection - my girl gets the same. The vet generally prescribes antibiotics and it settles down. Saying that she has just had the latest one under her ear removed as it got so smelly and revolting.

I've sent the photos to the vet so hopefully I will know in a day or so whether she needs to be seen next week. I'm rubbish with the dog, can never judge and yet had no problems with trusting my instincts with the dc, makes me much more anxious I think.

Could it be a bite /tick swelling? Got a tick off dpuppy and a small swelling left behind - could it be a tick still in?

I haven't seen any ticks on her although we walk in all the places you might find them so it is a possibility I suppose. Something to bear in mind.

Don't ticks usually look narrower than that at the base?

Found a grim looking pic online. Not for the faint hearted...
Best speak to the vet though op..

Just to update. I sent photos to the vet and his advice was to have the lump removed. Easy decision really as it's growing daily So Bella goes in as a day case on Monday. I'm feeling really anxious, not so much about the op more about what they will find when the lump is off (I've asked that it's sent off to histology) I can't bear to think we might lose her. Please send positive vibes that the lump is nothing awful.

Just to say that our dog had to have a lump removed at the start of lockdown. She is prone to cancerous lumps and they removed it with no further follow up needed. She was back to normal after a day or two and the scar has healed nicely. Fingers crossed for you that it's nothing nasty.

Really feel for you OP, my dog has several lumps and bumps and she is 11, so far they have been benign but I can really relate to your worry, I can’t bear the thought of loosing my dog either, will keep everything crossed that you get good news soon.

Can you text/email the vet and show them the picture?

Thoughts are with you op. My ddog beat cancer last year - very stressful times op...
Please remember to update us on lovely Bella..

Sorry, I somehow missed your latest post.

If it’s any help, my old lab had a similar lump on her anus. That was removed too and turned out to be nothing to worry about.

Bella is absolutely gorgeous
Sending those positive vibes and so hope it is nothing sinister

As a dog and cat owner who has been back and for the with two of my four four legged friends the last four weeks I know how stressful and upsetting it is.

They do know how much they are loved and cared for though, of that I am certain 🤞🏻

Bella's home and the lump has gone to histology. The op went well, she's got just three soluble stitches and she seems happy if unimpressed by the cone. She's eaten and she's snoozing. Appointment next week to check her over and see if there was anything to worry about in the lump or in her blood screen.

Brilliant news.

Glad the op went ok. Fingers and paws crossed for next week.

So the lump was a malignant melanoma Thankfully it was taken off early and blood tests came back clear so vet has given her a clean bill of health. So very grateful that it was caught early and Bella is back to fighting fit mode already. Thank you to you all who advised or helped me keep calm(ish)

Ah poor Bella, poor you too I bet you've been worried. Wishing her a speedy recovery.