Hi..I haven't posted here before but I was wondering if anyone could offer any advice..

About a week ago my dog started acting very strangely, he'd sleep all day, wouldn't bark, wouldn't run or play with his toys (He's usually hyper all the time) He's a 10 year old cross breed German Shepherd/Staffy ..I felt over his body and discovered a large lump on his tail, just over the size of a marble..

He's perked up slightly the last day or so but the lump is still there, it protrudes through his fur and seems firm with a soft top..Does anyone have any idea what it could be?

Please don't suggest taking him to the vets. My Mum wouldn't allow this to happen as she's scared she wouldn't get him back. He's her best friend.

Please take him to the vet because we had a similar problem thought the worst but when we got there turned out to be a small cyst which just needed lancing and the dog perked up instantly ! Not everything when you go is a death sentence sometimes it's just a big spot LOL


So don't panic get a vet to have a look you may well be worrying over nothing.

Sorry to be blunt but she is going to have to man up with regards to the vet. Its one of the responsibilities of owning a pet. As molliepops said a visit is not a death sentence, plus as your dog is getting older maybe it will do your mum some good getting used to taking him.

and not taking him to the vet might be.

We can't afford the vets bills right now, £40 odd just for a consultation is ridiculous. Neither of my parents work because they are disabled, I've just come back into the country, we're short of cash & we don't really know what to do. He doesn't seem to be in any pain, I've felt around the area and he doesn't even know I'm doing it.

do you have any vet/animal charities in your area that might be able to help?


edit: try this pdsa calculater, see if it comes up with anything.

edit again:

http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/az/h/hel.../#.UqH3gdJdVNQ

http://www.bluecross.org.uk/2076/vet...-services.html

http://www.bva.co.uk/I_cant_afford_t..._can_I_do.aspx

i`ve only quickly scanned those so they might be useless.

BIB: No, not that I'm aware of

I'll have a look at those links though..Thank you.

my pleasure. i hope there`s something in there for you.

You must get him to the vets, use the links above if needed. But leaving him with such a change in behaviour and physical symptoms is cruel and a breach of the animal welfare act, more importantly it's not ethical

I'm not sure about ethical it is down right cruel, I would recommend ask the vet if they can do a payment plan if they know you they are likely to want to help the animal. Or shop around because our vet only charges £20 for a consultation you may find somewhere cheaper than £40.

I will ask my parents to shop around.


Can mods close this please, I can see where this is going.

Well the problem is many of us have little or no money but somehow we get our dogs to the vet when they need treatment, currently paying off big bill we ran up when our last dog died, and looking at big bill to have Betty neutered but we don't not take them to the vet if they need it. Over draft, loan, sell something we have done it all over the years.

Really?! Come on you must have realised we would say take him to the vets. Why people have pets when they cant afford them I dont know.

Excuse me, He's 10 years old. A LOT CAN HAPPEN IN 10 YEARS. My parents were both working when we got him, since then my Dad has had 2 heart attacks, has Type 2 Diabetes and has depression. My Mum has developed Crones Disease and can hardly walk. I make regular trips out of the country.

We can afford him. He eats lots of food, gets out for exercise and is usually a very loving, happy dog.

How DARE you be so judgmental towards me.

Mods. Lock this thread please.