There is a lump or bump, so you visit the vet to see what it is. Fortunately most of these are benign growths. Here are the specifics that you need to know.

SIGNS Most lumps are easy to feel. They may show up on the chest or along the back. Most lumps on dogs are benign. Often while petting your pet a cyst becomes noticeable.

CAUSES As your pet ages, its immune system becomes less effective and lumps and bumps become more prevalent. Common dog lumps are lipomas (benign fatty tumors) and sebaceous cysts (a skin gland that blocks up).

SOLUTIONS

• EXAMINE IT. Assess the severity of the lump. Lumps that are regularly shaped are less likely to be serious. Lumps that move easy under the skin are usually benign, such as fatty

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A mammary tumor is a tumor originating in the mammary gland. It is a  common finding in older female dogs that are not spayed (the incidence rate is one in 4 in unspayed female dogs over the age of 4), but they are found in  other animals as well. The mammary glands in dogs are associated with their nipples and extend from the underside of the chest to the groin on both sides  of the midline. There are many differences between mammary tumors in animals and breast cancer in humans, including tumor type, malignancy, and treatment options.

Mammary tumors can be small, simple nodules or large, aggressive, metastatic growths. With early detection and prompt treatment, even some  of the more serious tumors can be successfully treated.

There are multiple types of mammary tumors in dogs. Approximately 50% of  all mammary tumors in dogs are benign, and… Read the rest

General Descriptions
A distichia is an eyelash that arises from an abnormal spot on the eyelid of a dog. Distichiae usually exit from the duct of the meibomian gland at the eyelid margin. They are usually multiple and sometimes more than one arises from a duct. They can affect either the upper or lower eyelid and are usually bilateral. The lower eyelids of dogs usually have no eyelashes. Distichiae usually cause no symptoms because the lashes are soft, but they can irritate the eye and cause tearing, squinting, inflammation, and corneal ulcers and scarring. Treatment options include manual removal, electrolysis, electrocautery, cryotherapy, and surgery.

Commonly Affected Breeds
In veterinary medicine, some canine breeds are affected by distichiasis more frequently than others: Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund (especially the miniature longhaired Dachshund), Bulldog, Pekingese, Yorkshire Terrier, Flat-Coated Retriever, Shetland Sheepdog, Poodle, Elo (dog).

Signs
Distichia can cause… Read the rest