Re: lump on belly

In Reply to: lump on belly
Category:   Medical
Posted by:  Joyce
Posted on:  August 28, 2002 at 04:30:33

: I bought a 2 1/2 mth old JRT a few days ago from a pet store. She's a very active and happy pup, but sadly, there are a few problems with her.

: Yesterday, we found a soft lump on the underside of her belly. We're concerned but due to financial problems, we're only able to send her to the vet 2 weeks later. Is the lump life threatening? I tried pressing on it gently and she doesn't seem uncomfortable. Also, she doesn't appear to be affected by the lump, though there's been traces of blood in her faeces, which is slightly watery. And,her belly seems to be slightly bloated.

: How serious is her condition? And how long can we afford to wait before we take her to see the vet?

Response:

Hi Joyce,

Do you have any guarantee on this puppy? If so I would bring this puppy back to the pet store. Healthy puppies don't have lumps and bloody stools.

Pet stores are notorious for selling puppies from puppy mills. Many of these puppies are badly bred and none of the parents have been genetically tested for diseases and many faults can be passed on.

Your puppy may have a hernia but can't be sure since we can't see your puppy. Sometimes these hernias in puppies will go away on their own if it's an umbilical hernia (this would be located by the navel area) if it's in the groin area this would be called an inguinal hernia. In any case hernias have a hereditary basis, and you should take your puppy to a vet as soon as possible. Only your vet can determine if the lump is indeed a hernia and whether it will heal on its own or need to be repaired.

I'm sorry that you are having financial difficulties at this time but if you don't get your puppy in now to the vet your vet bills can get even higher by waiting.

This doesn't sound like a healthy puppy to me. Check to see if your state has a puppy-lemon law.

Regards,
Marie