LATEST UPDATE: Large mass on dog

Hi,I have a 4 year old Rhodesian ridgeback. Like 2 weeks ago dh noticed a small bump on the inside of his leg up by his armpit. We sorta just figured we'd watch it and forgot about it. Now it quickly progressed into the size of a golf ball. He started limping yesterday. It's very hard and doesn't move. Should I be really worried?

Also, anyone have any good vet recommendations in mid/eastern Suffolk that might work with us on the cost? It's a really bad time for us and I'm scared we're not gonna be able to afford any vet.

UPDATE: so due to financial reasons we needed to wait a bit before we took him for the biopsy's etc. anyway, I've seen 3 vets because the first one was horrible and the second said they couldn't do the surgery. So now we ended up with a specialist surgeon. We are waiting on the results of a biopsy, but they have been preparing me for a leg amputation! I'm completely freaking out! Not only is the cost well over what dh and I agreed on before this happened, I'm stressing over having a 100 pound dog with 3 legs and two toddlers.

Everything is going through my head right now and my stress level is out if control. For one, how do I explain this to my 4 year old without freaking her out?! Also, my dh would rather put the dog down then go into debt over it. But I can't do that because he's so young! I would feel like the worst human if I did. Then dh told me to give him away! The vet told me no one would take him... I feel like I'm stuck in the middle of a really bad tug of war. The worst part is I don't work because I couldn't find a job that pays enough with two kids in daycare so my husband pays the bills, and clearly doesnt want to pay this bill.

If you've got this far thanks for listening to my vent! Any advice would be appreciated!

SECOND UPDATE: my poor dog is having his leg amputated now. His leg ended up getting really bad. The whole thing was swollen, and might have had an infection etc. After 2 weeks of meds to try and get it to shrink, the leg got better but the tumor didn't. They started the surgery this morning to try to just debulk it, but just called me and said it's very aggressive, he can only get about 90% out, and if it was his dog he would amputate. We tried to save his leg, and I'm struggling with the decision now, but I do feel like his best chance to stay with us longer was to go this route. But I need prayers for myself and family to be able to handle this and for his quick recovery! I just want him to feel happy again and I hope he will be.

Message edited 10/5/2016 9:19:57 AM.

Re: Large mass on dog

my first thought was a lymph node?

I know that a few rescues use Grady's animal hospital in sayville and rave about them. I have no experience w/them but may be worth a try?
any other symptoms? eating/going to the bathroom ok/ lethargic/etc.??

Good luck!

Large mass on dog

Best Friends vet care in nesconset they are amazing- my cousin is a vet assistant there. I love them

Re: Large mass on dog

Re: Large mass on dog

How is your dog?

Coco had a small mass on her back. It started as an eraser and it grew to the size of small grape within a few months.

we saw Dr. Maggie at paumanok vet in patchogue.

We winded up doing hot compresses on it and it winded up exploding. It closed up on it's own.

Re: Large mass on dog SMALL UPDATE

Update in op

Re: Large mass on dog SMALL UPDATE

Don't freak out until the biopsy results come back.

Then , if God forbid he needs amputation, I would ask the vet for his chances of surviving long term. Was it contained? Did it spread? Will he need chemo ? Etc. if it's amputation and he should live out a normal life, you guys should consider financing it. Paying it off over time won't be as hard as one lump sum of money.

If they say his prognosis is bad, then you need to talk to them about your other options

I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. But dogs are great on 3 legs. We had a friend who's boxer was just 2 when he had to have one amputated. He didn't even miss it

Message edited 8/30/2016 7:35:26 PM.

Re: Large mass on dog SMALL UPDATE

Thanks for your reply. I am starting to calm down a little but it was a rough day. I take comfort in hearing other stories of dogs with three legs. The thing that's bothering me is thinking that he's going to wake up with a missing leg and not know what happened. We can't explain it to him. I dunno that's really bothering me right now.

Yes, I have applied for care credit already. It's 6 months interest free so that will help a little.

Anyway, I'm getting more used to the idea and still hoping it's benign and I don't have to worry about it as much!

Re: LATEST UPDATE: Large mass on dog

Bump for latest update in OP

Re: LATEST UPDATE: Large mass on dog

Awww. . . so sorry your guy has to go through this, but I think you made the right decision. If it helps at all, I was just saw a part of a show (I don't know what it was, just happened to be on the tv) about dogs who lost limbs and they were running around, happy as could be, like nothing ever happened. I hope your baby is up and feeling better soon

Re: LATEST UPDATE: Large mass on dog

Im so sorry you are going through this. I have been looking for your updates. You are doing the right thing. Your dog will manage with one leg missing. Please keep us posted and many prayers.

Re: LATEST UPDATE: Large mass on dog

I'm so sorry to hear that you had to amputate. It must be so hard on all of you.

Dogs are resilient. He'll get the hang of it and be fine.

LATEST UPDATE: Large mass on dog

I'm so sirrry you are an awesome mom to your fur baby and are giving him the best life possible!

Re: LATEST UPDATE: Large mass on dog

Thanks everyone!! He's been home for a day now. He's doing amazing! He's only a little over 48 hours out of surgery and he's gone up and down our stairs! He goes outside to pee/poop by himself and even jogged a little in the backyard. And he's eating like a king! I'll update again in a few weeks. Hopefully he'll be like new again!

Re: LATEST UPDATE: Large mass on dog

Re: LATEST UPDATE: Large mass on dog

Dogs are amazingly resilient! He's probably just happy to be rid of any pain or discomfort he was feeling! Glad to hear he's doing well!

Re: LATEST UPDATE: Large mass on dog

I'm so glad to hear he is doing well.
As others have said, animals are very resilient and will adapt to whatever.

I follow a cat on FB, her name is Little Bunny Sue Roux.
She has no front legs, just has little stubs.
She is the most adorable cat and does just fine without her front limbs.