Jacob has a lump HAPPY UPDATE:fatty tumor, vet 99% sure
Last edited Mon Nov 30, 2015, 01:14 PM - Edit history (1)
I'll be calling the vet on Monday. It feels like a swollen gland; he didn't show any discomfort or concern when I palpated. After looking at diagrams, it looks like it's in the vicinity of the superficial inguinal lymph node. He also looked a bit chilly today --his fur standing up over his haunches -- so I put his inside jacket on. It's soft and warm and keeps him comfortable.
His pee and poop were normal on our walk today. He still does 2 miles pretty easily. His hip dysplasia and bit of arthritis are mostly worse this year than last, but that's true every year so not a great indicator.
I'm not panicking yet. He had a very faint positive on his anaplasmosis screen last spring, but wasn't showing any clinical symptoms. It could be that he has had a low level infection brewing and just not able to quite rid himself of it.
But I am a bit nervous. If it's worst case, I already know what path we will take. 
= new reply since forum marked as read
have had lumps, which our vets have called fatty tumors. All were benign. If Jacob has a slight infection of some kind, he could have a swollen lymph node. I hope whatever it is, it'll be easy to take care of and that all will be well. 
a week before Christmas. 
I expect my vet will not recommend anything terribly expensive either, but prednazone or pain meds in a worst case situ are not terribly expensive from what I understand.
This will be the first time with this vet that we've done anything beyond routine shots and porcupine quill removal (from my other pup, Luna).
This is a firm lump. I've had swollen glands in the past and it feels very similar.
Maybe large marble to 1/3 golfball size.
72. Just realized that makes him 10 years older than me. 5 more pounds and he'd be 86! No wonder he looks grumpy 
I give him low doses of aspirin after dinner, breakfast and walks, encased in cheese, for his hips. Also sea jerky made from sea cucumber, which has all the ingredients needed for joint fluid.
but long body and tail held high and curled a bit. One of his littermates had a corkscrew tail His purple "tattooed" tongue is his distinctive chow feature. He's about 85 pounds, which puts him in the range for a lab.
