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TOP TIPS FOR SENIOR PET WELLNESS
Part 2 - Lumps and Bumps
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Lumps and bumps are very common in older dogs and cats. They donβt always mean cancer. I say this as many people are very anxious when they discover a lump on their pet. There are certain lumps that can be common in young dogs too β your vet can guide you as to which need intervention and which can be left and observed.
Some lumps are easy to see, others are discovered by feel alone. The most common type of lump can be a benign (non-cancerous) fatty lump or lipoma. Lipomas can be singular, multiple and sometimes grow very fast. The size and location can mean that they are better removed to prevent future problems. Fatty lumps can be distinguished relatively easily by your vet by feel and sampling using a fine needle.
Other skin lumps can be more concerning and need a biopsy to guide the best management option for you and your pet. I usually like to know and keep an eye on..
1. How quickly the lump is growing? You can use calipers to measure size and take regular photos
2. is there any impact on your pet? Are they rubbing at the lump or the area? Is it painful?
3. is the overlying skin sore or pink? Is there hair loss and is the lump bleeding?
Even very small lumps in sensitive locations need to be assessed early to accurately guide management. E.g lumps around eyes and eyelids.
Lumps around the teats and underside of female dogs and cats should always be checked. In cats especially, these can often be cause for concern.
Lumps on the skin can be due to benign growths, infections, trauma, excessive licking, painful joints, cysts of skin structures. The nasty or malignant lumps do occur but are less common. Some breeds of dogs are more commonly affected by skin cancer. The best course of action is a vet check in the beginning to put your mind at rest. Almost every lump, no matter what the cause is easier to manage when small and early on, than when it has become large or started to b
Senior Pet Wellness
Paws and Claws
A few things can really help comfort levels in our older pets
Claws
β’ Keep claws a healthy length
β’ Overlong claws are more likely to get damaged or torn.
Whilst standing on a smooth flat surface, the tip of the dogβs claw should be just lifted from the floor. Touching the floor or causing a push back of the toe is an indicator of the claws being overlong. Overlong claws can change the way weight is born through a digit and lead to joint pain and degenerative changes.
If claws are overgrown, Why?
Is your dog avoiding weight bearing due to a problem further up the limb, are they bearing weight asymmetrically on the foot?
What can you do?
β’ Using a nail file can help imitate natural claw wear.
β’ Clipping claws with appropriate size and type of nail clippers
β’ If the claws appear flaky, crumbly, dry or are breaking easily, something more could be going on
β’ Dew claws can be more prone to overgrowth and damage through catching
Between the toes can be affected by
β’ Matted fur, grass seeds, cysts and abscesses.
β’ Hair can be protective but needs cleaning and checking regularly,
β’ Too much hair can increase problems and cause a slippery walking surface (like walking in socks)
β’ Any swellings, lumps and bumps around feet should be checked out by your vet
Pads
β’ can be susceptible to blisters, cracking cuts and corns
β’ sore paws make weight bearing on a rough surface more uncomfortable and lead to the slight lifting of the foot at rest.
β’ Beware of gritted pavements and paths β heavily salted surfaces can be irritating to a dogβs skin. Rinse feet when they come in.
β’ Older dogs can often develop arthritis in their toes β they benefit greatly from pain relief.
β’ A foot boot can be a useful bit of equipment to keep in your pet first aid kit.
CATS
Older cats are more likely to be affected by joint pain. This makes it difficult for a cat to stretch their front legs and scratch to shed the claw layer
At-home Pet Euthanasia in Wirksworth, Matlock, Belper and surrounding areas. Local, experienced vet.