Expert: Delores Beck - 8/31/2008

Question
Hi i have a cocker spaniel he is 12 years old and yesterday i noticed he was having trouble with his rear getting up and walking he was limping and draging his left leg then a noticed a lump on his right side near his back leg i pressed it it's not solid and doesn't apear to hurt him any idea what it can be and why it's bothering him, i will be taking him to the vet tommorow when they open cheers

Answer
An x-ray should determine the cause.  If the vet advises Nsaid's - (Metacam - Rimadyl) I'd ask for Tramadol for pain relief.  Way less chance of organ damage.

I'd also try DogGonePain which is a vet-developed Australian herbal pain killer that helps a ton of dogs.  The Whole Dog Journal even did their own trials.  I think PetSmart is  carrying it.

Whatever you try - begin with a mini dose.

As for the lump - it's probably a benign fatty tumor (common and harmless).  Most older dogs have these.

If this was sudden (the limping) he may have injured himself.  If not, it may be arthritis.
Delores