Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 12/13/2005

Question
We have Shar Pei that is about 5 years old. She doesn't have many wrinkles.  About three weeks ago  we noticed a bump/welt on her back.  It was about the size of a penny.  After about a week more developed.  It's been about three weeks now and she has 8-10 now.  Most are on one side of her back.  They're rather solid and and raised enough to make her coat look lumpy. The vet shaved the hair around one of the bumps and it was slightly red but had no puss or infected follocle or signs of a bite.  They don't seem to cause her discomfort although she does have a high pain tolerance and they don't seem to itch her.  We are at a loss for what this could be. Her activity level and appetite haven't changed.
About three months ago we had a blood panel done [for Swollen Hock Syndrome] and  everything looked good.  We have taken her to our vet three times so far for this.  First they gave her something, thinking it was allergies.  Then they gave her an antibiotic.  Neither have helped.  They have no idea what it is.  They are now suggesting removing one and doing a biopsy.  Would aspiration be an option?  What are some possible causes?

Any direction on this would be greatly appreciated.  

Thanks for your time,
Joe

Answer
A biopsy will give you information on the type of problem that is in the skin.  Needle aspirates are OK for some things, but for many skin tumors, it is hard to make a diagnosis from it.  A pathoilogist needs to look at the organization of the skin to see where the abnormality is.  That requires a chunk of intact skin.