Friday, September 26, 2014

Lumps, Bumps, Growths, and Masses



Lumps, bumps, growths, and masses: these are all vague and non-specific words for the same thing. And as far as pets are concerned, they are a common occurrence. How do we know which ones are harmless and which ones are threats to our pets' health?

As with humans, "lumps and bumps" in dogs and cats can arise from many different types of tissue. Although there are certain growths that may affect pets of any age, many don't appear until later in life when cells tend to misbehave and the immune system's defenses are not up to par. When we discover any new or abnormal growth, we must start by asking ourselves the following:

- How long has the growth been there? Did it suddenly appear? Or, looking back, did it start awhile ago as a perceived pimple, insect bite, or infected area that persisted to reveal itself as a mass?

- Has it stayed the same size for a long time, or is it steadily growing? Some lumps will appear to have grown because they have become secondarily infected or inflamed. Others, whether benign or malignant, can grow rapidly and change quickly.


There are some common misconceptions that have little value in determining the potential dangers of a growth, such as:

- The observance that the mass "doesn't bother him or her".

- The idea that a lump doesn't "look" cancerous.

- The thought that only large growths are cancerous.

Even needle aspirations of a growth can be misleading or inaccurate when trying to classify it as benign or malignant. The only reliable way to evaluate a growth is by submitting it for analysis by histopathology. 



WE SEE MANY LUMPS, BUMPS, GROWTHS, AND MASSES!

The following recommendations can help you avoid high vet costs and the unnecessary suffering of your pet when that dreaded "lump" appears:

- Take the important preventative care steps that can decrease the occurrence and progression of cancer in your pet. These include spaying/neutering, maintaining an ideal body weight, and yearly examinations by your veterinarian.

- DON'T WAIT! Have growths checked early. Once a mass has progressed in size or spread it becomes more expensive--and sometimes impossible--to remove using standard surgical methods. Even if you and your veterinarian agree to watch the mass for change, it is important to follow up quickly if change occurs.

- If possible, consent to having histopathology done on a removed growth to answer the question "what is it?", determine a prognosis, and develop a future course of action.

- If you are planning on having another procedure done to your pet, i.e., routine spay, neuter, dental, etc., consider having that worrisome "lump" removed at that time before it changes. Remember that even if a mass is truly benign, it can still cause problems if it fills with fluid (i.e., cysts) or becomes infected, inflamed, or necrotic.

Lumps, Bumps, Growths, and Masses can be scary, but can usually be treated successfully, resulting in a good outcome, when you and your veterinarian work together for your pet.

Friday, September 12, 2014

Signs That Your Pet May Have Dental Disease

                                                       

 
 The benefits of a healthy mouth (and the pain, infection, and inflammation of a diseased one) extend to the whole body. Therefore, dental cleanings can have an enormous beneficial effect on your pet's overall health. Ideally you should brush your dog's teeth daily with a pet toothpaste. Make sure you use a toothpaste made especially for dogs. Human toothpaste and mouthwashes can often upset a dog's stomach. A healthy mouth should have pink gums and show no signs of swelling. Additionally, toxic free rawhide, nylon and rubber chew toys can help keep the teeth clean.  You can also give your pet special formulated food that will help keep the tartar off in between brushing and cleanings. (ASPCA) 
Here are five signs to watch out for:


- Difficulty Eating  can result from the pain associated with the inflammation and infection caused by dental disease. 

- Pawing at the Mouth may also be a sign of pain, inflammation and loose teeth. 

- Excessive Salivation often occurs with any disease of the mouth, including dental disease. 

- Odor from the Mouth and/or Bad Breath are common symptoms of infection caused by dental disease. 

- Facial Swelling Below the Eye or on the Bottom Jaw can mean that your pet has an abscess of a tooth root causing a draining hole to appear.


If your pet shows any of the above signs, he or she should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.  Prompt assessment and treatment are vital when it comes to dental disease in pets.