Pawsitively Speaking

In my classes, I share information about two important topics: weekly physical exams for dogs, and crate training. Unfortunately, my recent experience with Logan gives me more personal stories to share on just how important these two issues are!

Just over two months ago, Logan was lying on the floor when he rolled over and stretched. I saw a small lump, about the size of a dime, pop up on his groin. It then disappeared when he relaxed his legs. I immediately examined it. Was I imagining it? No ... it was definitely there, just under the skin.

Logan has several fatty lipomas (benign tumors) on his belly, so I was hoping it was another one of those. I scheduled an appointment with our veterinarian, and the lump was diagnosed as a mast cell tumor.

Because of its tricky location, we were referred to the local veterinary oncologist. After consulting with her and the surgeon, Logan had surgery to remove the lump. After receiving the pathology report and researching options, I started Logan on chemotherapy.

Weekly Exam

I really do make it a practice to check my animals regularly for anything unusual, including lumps. Thank goodness, because I found Logan's lump early. When was the last time you did a physical exam of your dog?

Make it a weekly routine:

Check your dog's eyes. If you see a greenish or yellowish discharge, please consult your veterinarian.
Check your dog's ears. Is there a discharge? Does your dog scratch at his ears or shake his head often? He could have a yeast infection or other problem.
Examine in between your dog's pads, and look at the pads. Are they dry and cracked? Are there any cuts?
Run your hands along your dog's front legs and back legs, along his body and his tail. Do you feel any lumps? The earlier you catch a lump and have it examined by your vet, the better.

Does your dog flinch? Flinching could be a sign that your dog doesn't like being touched in that area, which means you need to get out the treats and make it a more enjoyable experience for your dog. Flinching could also mean your dog is in pain.

If you find anything of concern, consult your veterinarian. I always think it's better to rule something out, than to worry you were too late in reporting a problem!

Crate Training
Most people understand crate training is great for young puppies. It significantly helps with housetraining. It also protects puppies from eating things that can harm them when you are not available to closely supervise them.

Crate training is also necessary for certain health issues. At age 7, Logan usually doesn't need to be in a crate. Since he was crate trained as a puppy using positive methods, his two-week stint back in the crate during his recovery was no big deal.

Logan is a very bouncy boy -- the vet said he was bouncing just hours after surgery! The crate was critical to his recovery, so he didn't pull out his stitches.

You never know when your dog may need to be confined for health reasons. For more information on how to train your dog to love his crate, please refer to my book Quick and Easy Guide to Crate Training.

Prognosis
So far, Logan is doing great with the chemotherapy, and prognosis is very good that this tumor will not return, and we can postpone others from occurring. Paws crossed!