I didn't get kaiser until he was 8 months old, and he had already had a small hernia repair.

In the last month, I noticed a small lump near the site of the scar, and assumed it was a fatty lump, possibly related to that.

Since then, it has started to change colour, although it hasn't got any bigger, isn't cracked or weepy, just has a grey colour to it.

If I roll it between my finger and thumb, it feels hard, but it doesn't appear to bother him, and in every other way he is fine - eating, peeing, pooing and lively.

I don't want to charge over to the vet if it isn't anything sinister, but obviously I am a bit concerned.

I took these photos today, the quality isn't great, but hopefully it shows what I am talking about.

I wondered if anyone had any ideas as to what it might be?

Thanks.

http://s1120.photobucket.com/albums/l485/traceyholden1/?action=view&current=2012-05-02183429-1.jpg


http://s1120.photobucket.com/albums/l485/traceyholden1/?action=view&current=2012-05-02183429-1.jpg#!oZZ1QQcurrentZZhttp%3A%2F%2Fs1120.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl485%2Ftraceyholden1%2F%3Faction%3Dview%26current%3D2012-05-02183536.jpg

Tracey, any lump that changes, whether color (like kaiser's) or size, shape, etc. should be checked.

I'm at work and the pictures are blocked. But, from your description, I would definitely have the vet take a look at it at least. It's better to be safe than sorry. It's probably nothing but if it should be something serious it's better to catch it now rather than later.

Hi Elaine

It's a pity you can't access the photos, maybe you can have a look when you get home.

The only way I can describe it without the photos, is it looks a bit like a blood blister, but I guess you are right, I will have to get the vet to have a look.

Thanks.

Is it possible that is a teat? Male dogs have them too. (like men have flat nipples) Sometimes with surgery blood supply/lymph drainage can be altered and they can swell a bit.
That, or perhaps it is a skin flap from his surgery, an extra bunch, like a "pleat" in cloth that didn't flatten.
I think it's not a big deal from the look I am getting on my computer.

PS-Love the photo of the whippet or IG with the new pup.

No definitely not one of his teats, although that's what it started out looking like, I just looked at it again now as I type, and it is very close to the hernia repair scar, but that was 2.5 years ago, would it still have an effect on that area?

I am glad you don't think it is anything much to worry about, I will keep an eye on it and see if it gets any bigger, with the exception of my biggest bogey man, bloat, with Mastiffs, cancer comes a very close second, both our Boxers developed cancer as they got older, so it is something I am possibly a bit paranoid about!

The Whippet in the photo with Louis is Princess Audrey, one of my Son and his girlfriend's dogs, she is a very regal and haughty girl, and one of my favourites, I like the fact I can pick her up and blow raspberry's on her tummy, you can imagine the indignant look on her face, she is very tight lipped about it lol! she is great with the pup, though their other Whippet, Harvey, who looks like Zero in 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' and has death breath he is so ancient, tends to keep out of the pup's way, he is far too energetic for him!

One of the big tell-tale signs of cancer is texture. If the lump feels hard, like a little rock, or like little BBs in soft tissue that would be a bad sign. Another bad sign would be if you can see vessels in the skin going to this mass --cancer calls it's own blood supply, one of it's creepiest factors.
And mastiffs do get cancer---you are right to be vigilant. Mast cell cancers sometimes form in places where the skin was disturbed,by vaccine,surgery or injury.
"When in doubt, cut it out" was a little saying they taught us.

Can't diagnose it from a picture! My husband, a surgeon, would say it's unethical to
offer ANY opinion, would tell you to have it looked at, likely the correct action.

Yes, it is a hard lump - I will make an appointment with the vet, just in case.

Thanks Betty.