I need an opinion

[Ivy Bates]

My Austin has a growth (cyst) on the inside skin on the back leg. It hasn't grown but it is there. I am wondering is it something that needs to be removed right away? Labs have a tendency to grow these growth but is it best to leave it alone? I hate the idea of going in and cutting if it is really nothing. I am just not sure how to handle this and I need some advice to help me make this decision.

Any advice would be appreciated
Thanks

[Libby & Bentley]

I've never dealt with this in dogs..so this advice comes only from experience with humans..if it's not causing pain or getting larger, I'd just let it be and continue to monitor it.. Most humans get cysts removed if they are painful...i.e. my mom had one excised from her hand because it got to be painful when writing..

[Ivy Bates]

I have decided it's best to get rid of it while it's small then let it get bigger and I'll be worrying all the time. I hope it's just a fatty cyst. Thanks for replying

[Debbie, Brianna and Duncan]

I think you have made a good decision! The vet should be able to palpate it and tell if it is one or possibly something else that should have a biopsy. Sometimes they decide to do a simple needle biopsy. I had a lab with these lumps, and they where nothing but fatty lumps. On the other type, I have written my experience in the health and medical groups discussion section called Lumps and Bumps...with our little girl and our current update as of last Friday. Good luck and my very best wishes that it is just a fatty cyst and he will be fine. If by chance you don't read all of my post, the main thing I want to point out is our vet did not think ours should have a biopsy done, but I am so glad we did.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I wonder how long it has been since you first noticed it since you say it hasn't grown. Although I understand your reluctance to have it removed there really is no accurate way to tell what it is without some kind of biopsy. We had a standard poodle who developed a growth on his forehead. The vet was pretty certain that it was benign but it was not. I'm sure you would not want to leave something that might need to be removed or might need further treatment. I would certainly advise you to have it removed if your vet recommends doing so.

[Ivy Bates]

I am starting to think that it is best to get rid of it while it's small then big. He is going in to get his teeth done and while he is under I'll get it removed just to be certain, I don't want to have to go under again. Thanks for replying

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Definitely go ahead - smart move. Since he will be under anesthesia anyway, might as well play it safe and have it tested to make sure nothing is wrong. I am sure he is fine!!

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

I would handle this by discussing it with my Vet, if they feel it should come off now, and would cause pain or could turn cancerous in the future, I would have it removed. If it will not grow and cause your dog any harm, than leave it alone, but I would go on the advice of my Vet.

[Ellen]

I'm glad that you posted this because I recently noticed a small cyst on Riley's front leg. I went ahead and scheduled a vet visit this Saturday. I'll let you know what my vet said.