I let jake out of his crate a little bit ago after some friends left- he has some sort of lump on his left side (facing him). It's large- like half of a golf-ball!

It's relatively soft, can be pushed around a little bit but always moves back into place. Doesn't seem to be bothering him in the least, not even when I touch it. He's been chasing his ball around, running to the door, wanting to be petted- acting normal. In fact he plopped down on the carpet on top of it. It's at the back edge of his rib cage on his side.

I called the local emergency vet, but they couldn't recommend whether or not to bring him in. My vet is open tomorrow first half of the day-

Since its not bothering him can I wait until tomorrow morning? Or should I take him in now? Obviously if he starts to look un-normal I'll just take him- It was not there yesterday, or this morning I don't think. He doesn't carry any extra weight, it's pretty obvious. I'm sure I would have noticed it...

Man this has been a horrible week and now my poor dog- opinions or recommendations or suggestions please!!

If it were me, I would take him in the morning...especially since he is acting fine.
Could it be a bite, is there any red on it?

no redness or discoloration- no puncture or bite marks... not even like a bug bite.

maybe i'm overreacting here... obviously it needs to be looked at asap but he's acting fine-

I'm just worried

What I would watch for a while, just in case, are his breathing and any kind of facial swelling.

If it's a bee sting, then that would be a possible emergency situation.

Do you keep an antihistamine around (say, Benadryl)?

Of course, this is not a likely scenario. How long has it been?

Carolyn, I would probably wait until morning too, if it were me, since there are no other changes in your dog. But if you're very concerned then you should just go...I did that once for something that probably could have waited and saved me a ton of cash, but it was better than worrying all night. I'm not sure what an emergency vet could even do for this if it's not an allergic reaction or something. Are you sure it wasn't there yesterday?

Hope all turns out well.

Could be a hematoma too. None the less it sounds like it's somthing that can wait, but like Amber said, if it makes you feel better just take him tonight and put your mind at ease.

 Quote: Amber Morgan

... I'm not sure what an emergency vet could even do for this if it's not an allergic reaction or something.

Yes, that's what I think too. I think I'd watch out for that tonight, for a couple of hours (although it's usually faster), but go to the vet in the morning.

I agree, though, that if you're gonna worry all night -- just go.

P.S. Just popping up like that (as opposed to a slower growth) doesn't sound too scary, BTW. Vet, for sure; panic attack, probably not.

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

Vet, for sure; panic attack, probably not.

LOL..been there.

 Quote: Amber Morgan

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

Vet, for sure; panic attack, probably not.

LOL..been there.

Me too. Absolutely.

from a retired emt... most allergic reactions (anaphylaxis that is) which include the life threatening swelling of airways and facial swelling happen quickly. About 20 mins to 2 hours. If this has not happened after 1-2 hours, it's most likely not going to happen. I'd still go to the vet at the next appointment available, but I wouldn't go to the emergency vet personally based on what is described.