Riley's tumor-like lump--please share your thoughts!

K

krsanders25

Forums Novice
My 15-year-old sheltie, Riley, has had a lump on his chest for a couple of years. The vet has kept an eye on it, but I am not sure what it really is. When the vet first saw it, he said the lump was a "fatty deposit". At that time, it was soft to the touch and about 1 1/2" in diameter. Now, it is about 4" in diameter and sticks out much further. It spans across his whole chest and is very firm. Right above that, he has a smaller, squishier lump.
Have any of your shelties had a similar problem?
Do you have any thoughts on what it really may be?
Please share your thoughts!
 
You can ask for an Fine Needle Aspiration of the lump- has your vet seen it lately ?That would be the best way to find out what to do. Welcome to the Forum by the way . Would love to see pictures of your sheltie !!
 
Rilely is a very handome 15 yr. old and Toby is very cute. Sorry to hear that Riley is doing poorly. Thanks for sharing !!!
 
My boy had a fatty lump. When diagnosed, the vet told me that they can grow to be quite big. She said that the only time she removes them is when they interfere with the dog's mobility, such as a giant lump on a dog's leg.

Yes, I would have the vet rexamine the tumor, including sampling it with a needle.

The vet might also want to do x-rays or an ultrasound, to check for additional internal tumors.
 
Last edited:
I would definately do a needle aspiration. They don't hurt very much, I know because I have had plenty done on my breasts, doubt it would be all that expensive and might give you the answers you need so you can make a decision that you can live with.
Good luck to you both. BTW, really cute dogs. Thanks for sharing.
 
I don't have any answers for you, hopefully, its just a benign cyst, but, I wanted to tell you that Riley is a handsome boy and I hope you get the answers you need from your vet
 
I've had Shelties with these kids of lumps, some hard, some soft, and they've all been fatty tumors. Generally, the vets will tell you not to do anything with it unless it bothers the dog. We had larger ones removed from our dogs when the vet recommended it but you should talk with your vet about options for removal, especially in an older dog. I agree with others who have suggested a needle aspiration. It's done in-office while you're there and should give you an answer as to exactly what it is.

Your boy is very handsome!
 
Your dogs are beautiful & Riley looks so sweet in the snow. I know your decision will not be easy but please think long & hard. The tumors may be unsightly but if not a danger is there other reasons for having him put down? We will keep you in our hearts & hope that Riley has no issues you can't deal with. My oldest sheltie (Hershey) passed away & his special place in my heart is still there. I know you love your guys so keep us posted.
 
Thank you all for everything! I am sorry to say that we had to put Riley down this past Saturday as he was no longer enjoying life. The cyst is not the reason for this, but I was curious to find out if his other complications could be related. The lump was first noticeably hard when his health went downhill.
Riley had muscle deterioration in his hind legs, his legs often gave out, he had to be carried around the house, and as of Saturday morning the only food left that Riley would eat was cheese. I am struggling and am very much devastated but appreciate all of you here!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top