Expert: Jannie Balliett - 8/30/2009

Question
My boxer dog is just 6 years old.  My daughter got a small puppy 6 months ago.  My boxer took to him really well and they play all day and really seem to love each other.  I give my boxer lots of extra attention so she won't feel left out or pushed out.  Since we've gotten the puppy I've noticed my boxer's face (which is black) has grayed quite a bit.  She also has some graying on her brown ears on a little down the spine of her back which is also brown.  Is this because we've introduced a new pet?  She just seems to love the puppy so much and can't stand to be separated from him.  She also has 3 hard bumps on her back that have been there for a very long time.  I will be bringing her to the vet to get them checked next week but I was wondering if you thought they were something to really worry about.  They haven't changed in size and don't seem to bother her at all and have been there for a long time.  Thank you for answering my questions, I love my baby very much and would appreciate any help you can give me.

Answer
The graying is normal- she is 6 years old and the "average" life span of a Boxer is 10 years: although can live longer.

So being 6 years old is older and the graying is completely normal. My 5 year old is now grayed.

As far as the 3 hard bumps on her back, since they have been there a long time, I would image they are sebaceous cysts.

If they have not grown, and remained the same size, that is probably what they are. A sebaceous cyst is oils clogged.

Can you move them around by pressing on them? And it doesn't seem to hurt her?

When you take her to the vet, show him and ask. I don't think there is anything to be alarmed about since they have been there a long time.

Check out:
http://www.boxerforums.com/hard-lump-under-the-skin-t5891.html

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Congrats on the puppy, I know your Boxer-girl is happy being substitute mom to him, and having a playmate!