Hope you and Tonks are doing okay, Catrin. Jade has two large lumps under her belly. She's intact and apparently, these lumps are fairly common in older, intact bitches.

She's also had two removed in the past. Like 4-5 years ago. They were on her legs, and causing her problems. None are/were cancerous but of course have/had potential to become so.

One cannot be removed because of it's location and size (too large and too deep) and the other has been the same size/shape for 5 years now and doesn't need to be removed.

She is 11 and surgery just isn't a good idea unless absolutely necessary. Her heart is enlarged a bit and it's just a bad idea. I wanted to get her spayed a while back, but she was old and it wasn't recommended, either.

Probably should have done it, though. Would have certainly reduced the chances of these lumps appearing. Either way, hoping she doesn't develop a cancer or anything.

Lost my last Lab to cancer at age 15 to a squamous mast cell cancer tumor. Caught it too late, worthless veterinarian (long since changed). You seem like you've caught it early enough and Tonks might have a fragile system but I think she'll make it past the two years.

BTW... I have heard many good things about Atopica, and Nigredo does have some contact allergies. Not severe unless he rolls in it or something, but I cannot afford it at all, it's too expensive and he's not insured, and even if he was... the insurance wouldn't cover it

I am so sorry to read this. But she is much loved and although you are worried sick you have to remember she does not know a thing about it.

Catrina
Thanks everyone. That's the great thing about animals isn't it. She knows nothing about it and certainly as happy as Larry at the moment. She's pleased as punch to be back on nature diet and charging around in walks as usual.

My old Molly had some cancerous lumps removed when she was 13 years old in the June. In the September she had a couple more removed and then went on to live a healthy life until she passed away at the ripe old age of 18.
There's hope for Tonks yet
Hugs to you all from Bailiie and me