Spanky's Place

One of our dogs (Sydney) has had small lump growing on her side for the past few weeks. I've been planning on taking her to the vet; but with things being as crazy busy as they've been, we just haven't had the chance to do so.

My other dog (Gracie) is an older (9 1/2) female, and has several benign Lipomas; which is what I assumed this growth to be.

On Sunday my son called me in to the family room to take a look at Sydney's lump. It had grown from a small bulge under her fur to a golf ball sized lump, and the skin surrounding it was very inflamed. This was most definitely NOT something benign.

Upon examination, her Veterinarian told me it was an infected cyst, and could either be drained or surgically excised. Draining it would provide temporary comfort, but it would most likely return. I elected to have it removed.

It turns out that was the proper decision. During her surgery the doctor found that the cyst extended deeply into her side and the tissues of her back. He got it all out, but had to open her up and remove quite a bit more than originally thought.

We brought her home yesterday after work. She has an 8" to 10" cut in her side (held closed with staples). It runs from the curve of her belly all the way up onto her back; and has an active drainage tube exiting from it near her belly. The picture really doesn't do this thing justice. I'll take her back in next week to have the tube removed. The vet tells me she should heal up and be back to her grouchy old self in a month or so. For now she is loaded up on antibiotics and pain-killers.

It sounds bad, but I'm actually very glad this is all it was. My dog is back home, and even though she is miserable right now, she'll be fine. This whole event has really helped put things in perspective. I have my health, a loving family, a happy home, and a good job. We are truly blessed.

Merry Christmas.