lipoma Archives - Golden Woofs

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.

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.

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 …

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.