Is That a Tumor? How to Quickly Respond with 7 Easy Steps
“Should I worry about this lump on my dog, doc?" Great question, and in today’s newsletter, I’ll show you how to tell if it is serious, or something to just monitor.
Fortunately most of the lumps we find on our pets are not serious, but even those can cause problems.
In some cases there are supplements that may increase the effectiveness of the immune system, and help it attack the growth.
One of the option you should consider is our NEW 95% Curcumin Supplement, Dr. Jones’ Ultimate High Absorption 95% Curcumin for Dogs and Cats
Introduction: Understanding Lumps in Pets
As a veterinarian with years of experience, I want to reassure pet owners that if your dog or cat develops a lump, there are numerous at-home remedies and assessments that can be done. It’s common to discover these lumps while petting your pet, particularly on the chest or along the back. Most lumps found in dogs are benign, while those in cats can often be more concerning, potentially indicating cancer.
The Aging Pet and Immune System
As pets age, their immune systems weaken, making them more susceptible to lumps and bumps. Common lumps in dogs include lipomas (benign fatty tumors) and sebaceous cysts (blocked skin glands). In cats, cysts are also common, but any firm, rapidly growing lump should be examined promptly due to the higher risk of cancer.
Initial Assessment of Lumps
The first step when you notice a lump on your pet is to assess its characteristics. Lumps that are smooth, move easily under the skin, and grow slowly are often benign. If a lump discharges a cheesy material, it’s likely a sebaceous cyst and generally not a cause for concern.
Professional Evaluation: Aspiration
If you’re unsure about a lump, a visit to your veterinarian for a needle aspirate and cytology can be very enlightening. This simple procedure allows us to determine the seriousness of the lump by examining cells under a microscope.
Home Care for Cysts
If a cyst ruptures, it’s crucial to keep the area clean to promote healing and prevent infection. I recommend washing the area twice daily with an antiseptic solution and trimming the hair around the cyst to facilitate easier cleaning.
Using Compresses
An often overlooked treatment for lumps is the application of warm compresses. Apply a warm cloth to the lump twice daily to help reduce its size, particularly if the cyst is enlarged but hasn’t ruptured.
Boosting Skin Immune Function
Nutritional supplements can significantly enhance your pet’s skin health. Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, such as omega-3s from fish or krill oil, are excellent for boosting the skin’s immune response. Administer 100 IU of Vitamin E per 10 lbs of body weight daily.
The Power of Healing Mushrooms and Other Remedies
Certain mushrooms like Turkey Tail, Reishi, and Maitake are known for their immune-stimulating properties. The recommended dose is 25 mg per 10 lbs daily. Other effective treatments include:
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Useful for treating warts by peeling away dead skin cells. Apply it soaked in a cotton ball overnight.
- Herbal Remedies: Aloe and Calendula creams can reduce inflammation from ruptured cysts.
- Green Tea Extract: Known to stimulate the immune system and can be particularly beneficial for lipomas, dosed at 50 mg per 10 lbs daily.
- CBD Oil: Cannabidiol can be effective for both benign and potentially cancerous masses due to its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Standard doses are 3 mg per 10 lbs, administered twice daily.
- Curcumin: This compound from turmeric is backed by studies for its anticancer properties, particularly for precancerous masses. Doses range from 50-100 mg per 10 lbs once to twice daily.
Homeopathic Options
Thuja is a homeopathic remedy often recommended for various lumps and growths, with a typical dose being 30C once or twice daily for at least 30 days.
Conclusion: Monitoring and Managing Lumps
While it’s comforting to know that most lumps are benign, especially if they are slow-growing, soft, and movable, I always recommend monitoring them closely. If concerns arise, the least expensive and least invasive option is to have the lump aspirated by your veterinarian.
P.S. About Our New Supplement
For those interested in a more proactive approach to inflammation and potential lumps, our new Dr. Jones’ Ultimate High Absorption 95% Curcumin supplement offers enhanced bioavailability, combining BCM-95 (Curcugreen) and BioPerine. This formulation is designed to provide potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, making it an excellent choice for overall pet health.
