On one fine day when you are just sitting on your couch, petting your pet and suddenly you find some bump under his skin; well that’s something weird. Having visible lumps and bumps on the pet is normal, but what isn’t normal is to have certain hidden lumps and bumps secretly deteriorating your pet’s health. Therefore, instead of waiting for those pesky lumps and bumps to appear on the dog’s body, you must be vigilant before it takes a serious turn.
Finding a lump or bump on your furry pal can be a worrisome experience, but you need not to panic. Not all lumps are malignant and most are found to be benign, yet it is essential to keep an eye in the side of caution by following these steps.
How To Find Lumps And Bumps On Your Pet?
Take A Closer Look
The moment when you discover a new lump or bump on your dog’s body, ensure to examine it closely. Notice shape and size of it. Is it underneath the skin or on the surface of the pet’s skin? Is it bumpy or smooth? Use references to determine its size. Is it flat or raised? Note down these details to have a clear idea during inspection. Moreover, consider to scan your pet’s entire body for any other masses and make a note of it as well.
Mark The Spot
It can be a conundrum to keep a track of masses in the dog as a pet’s body undergoes various changes. So, after having a detailed inspection of your pup’s body for lumps and bumps, it is important to write down or mark the location of each lump. This will help you to successfully locate a mass or keep a track of any significant changes.
Consult Your Veterinarian
Most lumps and bumps are harmless, but is vital to schedule an appointment with your vet in case if you find any new mass on your dog’s body. The veterinarian will perform a physical exam by scanning your pup for masses. Moreover, he’ll palpate your pet’s abdomen to feel for any potential masses within the body. The veterinarian may also examine your pet’s mouth to detect any malignant cancers that are often missed until they become advanced.
Diagnose It
Early detection for successful treatment is the key when it comes to cancer. The initial step is to diagnose any new masses on your pet by performing a fine needle aspiration or FNA. This procedure allows your vet to determine the nature of the growth by collecting a sample of cells and viewing them under a microscope so that we can decide its further treatment.
Consider The Options
Once the mass is identified, the veterinarian will decide whether to remove it is necessary. If the removal is required then, the vet will recommend few options depending on the cell type, size of growth and location. Surgery and cryotherapy are two options that the vet can work on to make your pet rid of the malignant lumps or bumps.
Last but the most significant part is to have regular, annual, or semiannual exams with your veterinarian and monthly exams at home to quickly detect any new lumps and bumps on your pet. Precaution is always better than cure so when you’re randomly petting your pup ensure to have a check if there are any masses on his body.
