I’ve been laying low since my visit to the vet last Saturday.
I’m been contemplating for the past three days if I should share my weekend vet adventure. Well, it got me thinking … one reason why we blog is to share both our good and bad life experiences.I’m aware two of my bloggie friends Eduardo and Max shared their health issues. I know for our family it can be difficult but at the same time I believe that it is very helpful to share and talk about. I also think it can be a great educational resource.
So here it is … As you can see this is not my typical photo.
I am not happy and not smiling.
It was 9am Saturday morning and I was not given breakfast.
Mom is typically good on keeping-up on my regular schedule and routine.
Well, I begged for food for two hours and finally gave up.
What’s going on?
I love car rides but this was not a fun ride.
I curled-up on the far end of the back seat.
It was a short ride but it seems so long.
We finally got to our destination. The vet.
I’ve been here many times but it seems to be different this time.
As always, I sat on a seat by the front door.
I’m trying to get some attention so I can get a treat.
I was able to get the admin’s attention but I was not rewarded with a treat.
I can sense that something is going on.
I’m getting nervous. YES! Dogs do get nervous.
When I’m nervous I typically 1) tuck my tail in , 2) stare while sitting still, 3) totally “expressed” myself (I hope you do know what I’m talking about).
Here I am in the Dr’s exam room.
Dr. Golden recently moved south and so I’ll be seeing Dr. Mattson which I’ve also seen before. Not really sure what to expect from this visit. I am trying my very best to be such a good girl, good dog. All I can do is to stare at the door awaiting for the doctor to come in.
While Dr. Mattson checks me-up, lots of conversation between her and my family. LUMPS on my right side mid thorax and left flank abdomen. I had the lump on my right side for almost a year and it has grown in size. The lumps on my abdomen are new. Dr. Mattson explained that lumps are very common to occur on aging golden and especially on a girl golden. Very often what comes to our family’s mind when they hear the word “lump” is the word “cancer.” However, there are many other causes of lumps. A skin growth or a mass that is malignant, an abscess, a cyst, a hematoma(blood filled mass) or a simply reaction by the skin to an allergen. The good news is most lumps are often benign accumulations of fat cells called lipomas.
However, in any circumstances all lumps should be evaluated for possibility of malignancy. So of course my family decided to do tests on my lumps.
However, in any circumstances all lumps should be evaluated for possibility of malignancy. So of course my family decided to do tests on my lumps.
I was finally taken to the back room (where my family are not allowed).
Lots of tests were done. It was not “cool” at all.
I was so nervous that I could not helped it but to totally “expressed” myself a lot. Oooops!!! The doctor needed to rinse my back side.
Lots of tests were done. It was not “cool” at all.
I was so nervous that I could not helped it but to totally “expressed” myself a lot. Oooops!!! The doctor needed to rinse my back side.
When I finally got back to the doctor’s exam room,
lots of talking again occurred between the doctor and my family …
Here’s the good news … the lumps are fat cells.
My family just needs to monitor both growths especially for any change in size.
What a relief …
lots of talking again occurred between the doctor and my family …
Here’s the good news … the lumps are fat cells.
My family just needs to monitor both growths especially for any change in size.
What a relief …
The ride home was a relief after spending two hours at the vet.
I was looking forward to have my breakfast meal.
This vet visit was not pleasant at all.
It’s such a fearful experience that it took most of my energy.
I am tired and just want to rest.
I was looking forward to have my breakfast meal.
This vet visit was not pleasant at all.
It’s such a fearful experience that it took most of my energy.
I am tired and just want to rest.
We received a call from Dr. Mattson yesterday and
she confirmed other tests done are all good.
she confirmed other tests done are all good.
I’m happy to be back to my old myself.
Lots of Golden Woofs!
From my family:
“Sugar is not only a part of our lives. Sugar makes our lives whole.”
Oh Sugar, what a terrible ordeal! I am very glad to learn that the lumps are all benign and you are healthy!
Oh Sugar!
Firstly…I have learned over the past week or so that your mom must never hesitate to share your vet's visits and her concerns for you! Not only does it help others in similar boats, but warm wishes, prayers and comforting thoughts will come your mom's way like she has never seen before…it will comfort her in knowing that your problems are shared with others and we love you a lot. So tell mom we say…never hesitate! This is an awesome doggie community!
We are so, so happy that your lumps are ok. What a horrible scare…we know! We love you lots an hope you have a good rest.
Lotsalicks
MAXDOG IN SOUTH AFRICA
Oh Sugar, that was terrible for you but the good news is you are ok and the lumps are benign.
Please tell your mommy that we are glad she shared this with us.
Hugs,
Sam & June
Oh, Sugar we are so glad your lumps are benign. That must have been so scary for you and your people. It's been hard in blog land with so many scares lately, but at least we can all support each other and learn from each other. We hope that now you are feeling happy and cheerful and normal.
Tucker and Daisy
Sugar, glad to hear you are okay. I have fat bumps too and I've been to the vet recently to get mine checked out and they are benign also. I have many bumps, but one on my chest is very large, but the vet said to leave it alone cuz I'm getting so old surgery may be too risky to get it removed since it's not a threat. So I just wanted to tell you I know how it feels being a bumpy girl. Hugs, Lena
Ahh, Sugar, We're sorry you didn't like that trip to the vet and it upset you. So glad yo hear that it's a fatty tumor (what our vet calls it) and that you're healthy. Mom has nothing to worry about. Our Sam has one on his side, he just got it this year and will soon be 9 yrs. Mom was worried too, but he's fine. You looked so much better in your day after picture! Woof- The Gang @ Dog Blog for Five Dogs
Sugar;
We know how scary the vet visit can me, we both have various lumps and bumps which are checked from time to time. So far everything has been good.
Our Mom & Dad have had Goldens for over 35 years and they say you can never be to careful, they are always petting us and rubbing us and looking for any new lumps or bumps and then if any are found they are always immediately checked.
We are so glad for your good report and we are so happy to see your smiling face again.
Thank you for sharing, it is so important that everyone knows to have anything like this looked at.
Tail Wags & Golden kisses,
Hamish & Rescue Sophie
So glad all is well my buddy Sugar!
Tail Wags to You Always.
~Moose
Wooos Sugar. My older sister had several of those lump thingys, she had them for the last 10 years or so of her life, so nothing to worry about! So sorry about the poking and prodding at the vet! I hate that too!
-Kira The BeaWootiful
Thanks for sharing your V-E-T weekend. I agree with you – it's always good to share both good experiences AND bad.
So happy that the lumps are just fatty cells. What a relief.
Oh poor Sugar, we want to come over and give you a hug!
We are so sorry to read about that traumatic experience but very relieved to know there is nothing to worry about.
We hope you get some special treats to make up for your ordeal.
love and kisses
Martha & Bailey xxx
That's good news, Sugar. Trixie has one or two fatty lumps too and they haven't slowed her down.
I am so glad you are ok Sugar. It must be a scary experience. 2 hours at the vet is tiring for any doggy.
God Bless you and keep you safe pretty girl.
love,
Dommy
I am so very very glad that the lumps were just lumps! I loved the last picture where Sugar looks so happy!!
Thank you for sharing her vet visit with us.
HI Sugar! So sorry to hear about your vet visit!! But so glad its good news!!! Yay!!! I know its scary! Thank you for sharing your news! Hugs Joey and Kealani
Hi Sugar!
We know a vet visit is never the ideal visit, but at lest the tomurs arn't as bag as they could have been.
Thank Dog.
Oh Sugar, I was nervous just reading your post. I am so excited that you are all right. Those lumps are very scary. The photos are just perfect, shows just how you felt and I know you were very nervous.
Sugar –
As a cancer survivor – I know how important it is to get your lumps checked out. I had my cancer surgery/radiation treatments 4 YRS ago…and Mom gives me a very serious rubdown monthly to check for new lumps. (She tries to tell me its serious – but rubdowns make me laugh and squirm like a puppy!)
Glad to hear you're doing good – I bet some of your peanut butter/applesauce treats would REALLY make you feel better.
-Abbey
Aw Sugar so sorry you had such a rough day. I'm glad to hear that it's nothing serious. You look so sad in those pictures, but I can sure see the relief in the last one.
Hi sweet Sugar! Sooo sorry about your nerves and awful visit to the V-E-T. It sounds like you were a very brave girl. We are just so glad to hear that the lumps were all benign. Mama learns a lot when my pals' pawrents write about these things in blogland. After all, I'm a girl golden, and my maw is now more aware of a condition I might have some day, so I thank you. Most of all, I'm really glad you are okay (and can EAT now hehee!)
Hugs xo
Sammie
Yay at good reports on all your tests!! I'm sorry you had a tough day, though, and I sure do hope you got breakfast (or brunch maybe?) when you got back home!
I am so happy for you Sugar. Good news. If it makes you feel better, Ariel, my springer had two fatty tumors, we watched them for a year, then they grew so big we took them off because the Vet told me if they get too big, they can't close up the skin. I don't mean to scare you, but that is what my Vet said. Ariel had them off removed and she if fine!!
Sugar- I have a really huge on on my hip. It looks ugly, but the vet wants so much money to take it off that my mom can't pay. It doesn't hurt anything, the vet said.
Maggie from My Quality Day
Wow – you had me worried. I am glad the tests came back OK!
I am so happy you are o.k. I am with you I don't like to go to the doctors I had lumps and they were bad but I am all well
That is a pawesome news!
Please don't hesitate to share – good AND bad!
The power of The Blogger World is inkhredible!
PLUS, we khan help take the worry off your pawrents fur we'll do it fur them!
Tank woo fur sharing!
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
I admire many blogger who love they pet so much that keep them posting about their pictures.
Hi, Sugar!
Thanks for sharing it!
Sure it was not a very nice experience!
Glad to know your lumps are not malignant!
Take care!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza
Sugar..
Hip Hip Hooray! I'm glad to hear the lumps are just lumps. Mom's last boy's nickname was "lumpy boy". He had them all over. Silly. Good to see you smile. The vet is stressful for everyone.
norwood
Thank you for sharing. I really appreciate reading about medical issues because I learn a lot about what to look for and how to treat things.
Poor old Mango does the tail tuck at the vet too. I can just see him trying to make himself invisible. Glad everything came back clear.
Mango Momma
I'm happy your ordeal is over, Sugar! Lots of older girls get fatty tumors, there's nothing to feel ashamed about. Just keep being well and pretty! Levi says, "Hey."
Of course you should share what is going on in your life – the power of the paw is just awesome. We have all been wooing very hard for lots of our furiends who are not doing so well. It is great to hear that your lumps are the good kind. Phantom had a very very big and nasty one removed this past summer – it was the very bad kind. It may come back but so far he is doing pretty well. He has two other fatty lumps that we are watching too.
We love your last photo – happy smiling girl.
Woos, the OP Pack