[SOLVED ] Q. My Poodle has a mass under her skin on her side near her back. It is soft and moves when I press on it. Is it something to worry about? Than...

ks.

Rogie

Experienced and professional animal trainer provide their insights in answering this question :

A. Sounds like it is most likely to be a lypoma. Fatty lump
But you should get it checked by the vet.

How to Identify Common Pet Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced pet care professionals :

One of the best ways to identify a potentially cancerous lump is to evaluate how that tumor feels when touched. Compared to the soft, fatty characteristics of a lipoma, a cancerous lump will be harder and firm to the touch, appearing as a hard immovable lump on your dog.

Lipomas are the most common masses found on pets. These “fatty tumors” are almost always benign growths, and are usually just under the skin. They remain relatively mobile (skin moves around them freely) unless they invade local muscle and connective tissue.

Lipomas: these fatty tumors appear as soft, round lumps of flesh beneath the skin. They`re made up entirely of fat cells and are always benign, or non-cancerous. They`re usually found in older dogs and dogs who are overweight. Larger breeds are more prone to them, although they can be found in small breeds as well.

Skin squamous cell carcinoma is the most commonly diagnosed form of skin cancer in dogs. These tumors appear as raised wart-like patches or lumps that are firm to the touch and are most often found on the dog`s head, lower legs, rear, and abdomen.

Cancerous or malignant tumors can be hard or soft. The feel of a mass and whether it bothers your dog has little to do with whether it is cancerous or not.

A tumor may feel more like a rock than a grape. A cancerous lump is usually hard, not soft or squishy.

Some common causes include fat, tumors (benign and malignantVery virulent or infectious.), cysts, infection (abscess), allergic reactions and swelling from injury or hernia. A hernia occurs when one tissue or organ protrudes through another into an abnormal place on the body, often causing a lump or bump.

It is important to get all new lumps checked out by your vet, however, to ensure that they are benign. Occasionally, lipomas will cause difficulty to your dog if they become involved with internal organs or if they become so large that they impede movement or make your pet uncomfortable.

Dog Cyst vs Tumor: How Do I Tell The Difference? Cysts are fluid-filled sacs under the skin that are usually easy to move around, while tumors are typically more solid. A cyst also may drain a white, yellow, or green discharge.

“They rarely cause discomfort unless they are large.” They rarely cause discomfort unless they are large. Ulceration and bleeding are rare but large lipomas may necrose (die), causing yellow discoloration of the fat with, in the case of very large ones, toxic effects to make the animal unwell.

It depends on how aggressive or advanced the particular cancer is. By the time it`s detected, some dogs will live weeks to months, while others will live for years. Lymphoma patients, for instance, can live several years.

They may grow quickly, over the course of a few weeks. More commonly they grow slowly over months or years. In advanced cases, the skin overlying the tumor can ulcerate or break open. This leaves dogs susceptible to pain and infection.

In dogs, the most common type of malignant skin cancer is a mast cell tumor. These tumors are superficial lumps that can be painful. They often swell, frequently bleed and then scab over, only to bleed again a few days later. They should not be squeezed by the owner, as squeezing can make them swell even more.

There are many types of soft tissue tumors, and not all of them are cancerous. Many benign tumors are found in soft tissues. The word benign means they`re not cancer. These tumors can`t spread to other parts of the body.

They can feel firm or soft. Benign masses are more likely to be painful to the touch, such as with an abscess. Benign tumors also tend to grow more slowly, and many are smaller than 5 cm (2 inches) at their longest point. Sarcomas (cancerous growths) more often are painless.

Benign lumps often feel fatty and soft to the touch – however, a cancerous tumour is usually harder and firmer. A hard, immovable lump on your dog is a sign that you must book an appointment at the vet as soon as possible.

Chondrosarcoma in dogs most commonly affects the flat bones of the body, such as the ribs, skull, nasal cavity, and pelvis. Clinical signs may include localized swelling (which may be painful), decreased appetite, pain, and dehydration. Additional clinical signs may depend on the location of the tumor.

What is a lipoma and what causes it? Fatty lumps, like the one on this dog, can grow extremely large. Lipomas are harmless lumps that start in fat cells stored in tissue around the body and are not usually painful. They accumulate more fat as they grow and are more likely in middle-aged to elderly dogs.

Mast cell tumors are quite serious when identified in dogs. If untreated they can cause anaphylactic shock or if they progress into a more aggressive form they can metastasize and ultimately lead to death.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Fish oil, a potent source of omega-3s, has got a lot of scientifically proven benefits for dogs. It may be helpful in preventing and shrinking lipomas through several modes of action. Omega-3s may help reduce inflammation and obesity, keep the joints well lubricated and the skin and coat lustrous.

It is recommended that pet owners take note of pet lumps and bumps when first observed. If it is larger than a pea and sticks around for a month or more, it`s time to figure out what`s going on. While they can definitely be harmless, it`s a good idea to keep ahead of pet lumps and bumps.

Of submitted samples, 20% to 40% are reported to be malignant. The most common malignant skin tumors in dogs are mast cell tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, and squamous cell carcinomas. The most common benign canine skin and subcutaneous benign tumors include lipomas, histiocytomas, and perianal gland adenomas.

Sebaceous cysts are hard, cystic material under the skin that can form due to a blocked sebaceous gland. They appear like swellings with a creamy matter inside them. The swellings sometimes become red and sore. They`re usually found in older dogs in the middle of their back and can be diagnosed with FNA.

How long does a vaccine lump last in dogs? It is completely normal for this reaction to last a day or two. The lump may be tender to the touch but if you notice it getting bigger (after the first few days), oozing, or becoming more painful, let us know right away.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Q. My Poodle has a mass on her side near her back. It is soft and moves when I press on it. Is it something to worry about. Thanks.

Harold

ANSWER : A. Your dog should be examined by your vet. Also, aspiration of the lump may be recommended to find out what is going on. The mass could be an abscess or hematoma. It could be a tumor and it would be important to establish if it is something serious or benign.

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Q. My Poodle has a mass under her skin on her side near her back. It is soft and moves when I press on it. Is it something to worry about? Thanks.

Rogie

ANSWER : A. Sounds like it is most likely to be a lypoma. Fatty lump
But you should get it checked by the vet.

Read Full Q/A … : Sebaceous Cyst (Abscess) Sac Removal – YouTube

Q. Is Folliculitis curable? Vet has me using hydrocortisone cream.

ANSWER : A. Folliculitis is usually a symptom of something underlying, as the inflammation is usually bacterial in origin. Systemic diseases that can lead to bacterial folliculitis include endocrine disorders (such as hypothyroidism and Cushingâ€™s disease in dogs) and disorders of the immune system.

Skin disorders causing bacterial folliculitis in dogs include: canine acne, acral lick granuloma, skin fold pyoderma, interdigital pododermatitis (interdigital cysts), idiopathic furunculosis of German Shepherd Dogs, pyotraumatic folliculitis, and callus dermatitis, among others. In both dogs and cats, allergic skin disease is perhaps the most common cause of bacterial folliculitis. Parasitism and fungal infection of the skin are also common causes.

The diagnosis of bacterial folliculitis is typically made upon visual inspection and often after undertaking one or more of the following diagnostic tests:

Skin scrapings for mites

Skin cytology

Fungal culture

Wood’s lamp examination for fungus (ringworm)

Bacterial culture and sensitivity

Skin biopsy and histopathology

If the medication your vet prescribed does not improve the skin’s condition, make a recheck appointment with your vet for further diagnostics or ask for a referral to a veterinary dermatologist for a more extensive workup.

Read Full Q/A … : 3 Ways to Treat Folliculitis – wikiHow

Q. Russian blue mix cat – usually velvet soft coat but hair on back hind qtrs. is thinning, remaining hair seems less velvety than normal

ANSWER : A. Changes in coat appearance can be caused by a number of things. In older cats, hair loss or changes in coat and skin confirmation may indicate a metabolic issue such as thyroid problems. Cats can begin to lose hair and may also show other changes such as weight changes or appetite changes. Blood work is usually done to check for this, and most pets do very well with a daily medication treatment.

Hair loss can also be caused by mites on the skin, external parasites or even skin and fungal infections. These may cause red bumps or sores to appear on the skin in addition to the hair loss and coat changes. Your vet can take a skin scraping of the area to check for mites and infections, and a preventive flea treatment can remove any external parasites. If an infection or mites are present, your vet can also prescribe an antibiotic or topical cream to treat.

After any treatment it may take a month or two for completely bald patches to grow back in. This is normal as the skin and follicles need some time to heal prior to beginning the hair growth cycle again.

Read Full Q/A … : Black's Veterinary Dictionary – pt.scribd.com

Q. My cat has a major rash on her back it looks like red bumps an some have even turned into scabs.

ANSWER : A. Skin disorders can be particularly vexing to diagnosis and treat. One of the most common causes of skin rashes in cats is allergic dermititis caused by the bites of fleas. Some cats are very sensitive to the bite(s) of fleas and will react with excessive itching, scratching, and scabby bumps particularly on the lower back and nape of neck. Finding fleas on your cat is a pretty good indicator that fleas are causing the skin irritation. Unfortunately, NOT finding fleas doesn’t rule out an allergy to fleas, as it takes only one bite from a flea to cause a reaction in sensitive cats. Moreover, there are many other possible causes for skin rashes in cats, including thyroid disease, fungal diseases, bacterial or viral infections, and irritation from chemicals in the enviroment (scented litter, fabric sheets, air freshners, floor and carpet cleaners, etc.).
A trip to the veterinarian is your first step in treating skin disorders. Your vet will examine your cat, checking for fleas and other external parasites and also looking at the distribution pattern of the rash which will help your vet to determine what might be causing the rash. If necessary, your vet may take hair or skin samples for analysis. Blood work may also be necessary if your vet suspects thyroid diseases or another metabolic disorder.

Read Full Q/A … : What are these scabs on my cat's back? (Picture)

Q. My Bulldog puppy growls, barks and even tries to bite me when I say “no” to him. What can I do?

ANSWER : A. First, avoid scolding him and acting aggressively towards him if you don’t want him to be acting aggressively towards you. There are other methods you can use to communicate to your dog that you don’t want him to continue doing what he is doing. I recommend you stop telling him “no”, scolding him, or raising your voice at him. Everything coming from you should be 100% positive and 100% calm.

Try to figure out ways to clearly communicate what you want to your dog. If you want your dog to leave something or someone alone, I strongly suggest teaching your dog commands like “leave it”. Here is a link to a video in which I explain how to do it:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1TS5nA7z5Q

Another thing I suggest you use is a no-reward marker. This clearly communicates when your dog has done something wrong. No-reward markers have to be introduced during your training sessions. You should be doing at least three training sessions per day, that are something like 3-10 minutes long (working on different things each training session). If you are teaching your dog something BRAND NEW, do not use the no-reward marker, as you do not want to discourage your dog from performing behaviors for you. Use the no-reward marker for known behaviors only. Here is another helpful video about this:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdU5a6fXKlg

Lure each new behavior (as shown in the video) using high value treats. Let’s say you’re working on “down” which is a behavior your dog knows fairly well. Present the treat to your dog. Ask your dog to “down” (only ask once). If he does not go “down” immediately, say, “uh-oh” or “eh-eh” in a gentle tone, and then place the treat behind your back. This communicates to your dog that they did something to make the treat go away.

After you place the treat behind your back to show your pup “that was wrong” you need to communicate to your pup “let’s try again” by getting your pup to walk around for a second, and then start the behavior all over again. If your puppy is very young, chances are you haven’t taught him a solid “down” behavior yet. So, as I said, do not use this method until you have lured each new behavior as shown in the video.

This is the order in which you should teach behaviors: Lure using a high value treat as shown in the video. After a few successful food lures, lure with an empty hand. If the pup is successful with the empty hand lure, reward with lots of treats. If the pup is unsuccessful, then go back to food-luring a couple more times. After a few successful empty-hand lures, you can begin to add the cue. Say “sit”, then lure with an empty hand, and then reward. Once your pup understands the cue, begin to work on the no-reward marker.

Read Full Q/A … : Puppy Aggression And Dominance – Your Questions Answered

Q. WHAT ARE SCALY PATCHES ON THEIR BACKS NEAR THE TAIL, I HAVE SEEN THIS FOR THE SECOND TIME ON A CAT AND NEVER GET AN ANSWER FROM THE COUPLE VETS I HAVE

ANSWER : A. Scaly patches of skin near the tail may be an indication of possible external parasites (such as fleas) cats may scratch or chew at this area in an attempt to relieve itching which could lead to scaly or irritated skin. Treating for external parasites can help. Skin infections may also cause a similar appearance especially if your cat has chewed or scratched at the area excessively. Preventing licking and chewing of the area if excessive with the use of a T-shirt or Elizabethan collar can help, as well as a vet checkup as needed.

Dry skin from too often of bathing or even changes in temperature (such as exposure to dry, cold air) may also happen. A soothing pet wipe or shampoo that includes aloe or oatmeal may help to soothe irritated skin and decrease flaking and dryness.

Read Full Q/A … : What are these scabs on my cat's back? (Picture)

Q. My dog has dry crusty patches on her skin and she scratches till fur is gone, what can it be?

ANSWER : A. Crusting of the skin, itching and hair loss can all be caused by a number of things, most commonly skin infections (from bacteria, yeast or fungi) or from external parasites. Checking for parasites such as fleas and ticks and then treating them can help the skin. However, if a secondary infection or primary skin infection has occurred (hair loss, redness, itching, hot to the touch or oozing debris) then it is best to have it examined by your local vet. Antibiotics and medicated shampoos will usually help the skin to recover and heal. Until you can get to your vet it is best to prevent your dog from scratching or chewing at the area with the use of an Elizabethan (cone) collar or T-shirt so that she cannot introduce any bacteria into the skin from her tongue or nails.

Read Full Q/A … : Dog Skin & Coat Disorders