Advice Please

[Horseback Rider]

So have had my Lab x Husky since 12 weeks old, hes 9 in Feb, apart from the odd cut or upset tummy he's never really been ill or needed the vet. I moved back to the UK a while ago and then on Sunday I noticed a lump on his shoulder so took him to the local vet last night to get it looked at. He's never been to this practice and the lump isn't bothering him, he is fine in himself. The vet looked at the lump, then felt it then said he would need to be sedated so it can be removed and a biopsy taken. He didn't check him over, listen to his heart or weigh him, or ask about his history.

I thought the first option would have been to carry out fine needle aspiration to see what it was and if it needed removing right now given it isn't bothering him ? I also though as he hasn't been to the practice before they would have generally checked him over ?

I had horses for years and know that good vets can be hard to find and some are more cautious than others. I am not saying I disagree with his approach but would be interested to see what others thought and if it was worth getting a second opinion ?

 

[splashgirl45]

i would have expected him to have asked about his history and also to check heart etc. perhaps if you say which area you are in someone could recommend a vet for a second opinion

 

[Horseback Rider]

i would have expected him to have asked about his history and also to check heart etc. perhaps if you say which area you are in someone could recommend a vet for a second opinion

I'm in Ealing, West London

 

[Bellaboo18]

I'd get a second opinion. We adopted our three legged dog 8 years ago and after a few days she had a swelling on her stump. We took her straight to the vets and he said she needed to have further surgery to remove the shoulder blade. I just thought right that's what she needs that's what we'll do although I was concerned our poor little dog had been home for a few days and was already going for surgery. My partner convinced me to get a second opinion so we took her to another vet who prescribed anti inflammatory tablets. Two days later the swelling had gone, 8 years on she's never had a problem with the stump! I'm not saying the same will apply to you but worth another opinion. I often think of this time when worrying about my pets!

 

[silv]

Definitely get a second opinion, my elderly little dog has lots of lumps, the vet always does a fine needle aspiration and can tell that they are harmless fatty lumps. They don’t bother him so they’re just left in situ. I also think that they should have done a general check up and history too.

 

[Horseback Rider]

So I went to a different practice today saw a lovely vet who is pretty sure the lump
Is a Lipoma and did a fine needle aspiration to be sent off to the lab , should get the results next week (fingers crossed) so glad I went with my gut and won’t be putting my boy in for surgery just yet hopefully x

 

[Cinnamontoast]

Fingers crossed it's a lipoma, sadly common in older dogs, although I don't personally rate 8 as old. My 15 year old has lots.

I'm surprised that the first vet went straight for the surgical option, I would have asked for a fine needle aspiration too. I've learnt to ask for what I want over the years. I spoke to three vets about a wound that wouldn't heal and basically demanded that it be cut out after some advice on here. The third vet agreed immediately.

 

[Horseback Rider]

Yes I was surprised too, I had the same vet for years who treated my horses and dog where I used to live, I had a great relationship with him and trusted him implicitly! Just goes to show when you find a good vet you need to keep hold of them .