Bron&Doris

Thanks so much for the responses. I'll get her to the vet and request a fine needle aspiration as soon as possible. I'd be devastated if I left it and it was something more serious. She is, of course, my best mate! I felt sure there were other alternatives rather than operate to remove it and now I can confidently go in and make the request. The little darling was on snake alert yesterday while I was at work. Luckily I have a great neighbour who collected Doris(after hearing her barking madly at a snake on the front step) and let her hang out next door with her two little kids for the arvo Thank goodness for good neighbours (and a dog who seems to have enough sense to bark loudly from a safe distance rather than attack the snake ...)

Thanks Sheree. It's good to know what options there are to see what the lump may or may not be. I'd like to deal with it sooner as I know she is getting on a bit, but thought removal may have been a bit much for a first option and I don't want to put her through an operation if I don't need to. Thanks again. Bron&Doris

Doris is going on 9 years old with no major health issues except some arthritis. I've recently notice a small lump on or near her hip and during her last annual vet vist for injections mentioned it to the vet. I was told that if I need to find out what it was that it would have to be removed and for the short term just keep an eye on it. Are there alternatives to removal? Can they xray, ultrasound or biopsy rather than operate to remove it? It seems a bit tender to the touch (possibly because I'm constantly checking it...) and the lump does seem to be growing. Doris is still the happy, active girl she's always been but I think another vet visit for more investigation is needed. I'd like to be better informed about options when I take her so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks