Growing Cyst

Question
Our 10 year old shepard-bouvier mix had a small cyst on her hip.  She was put on an antibiotic for arthritic joints, and the cyst grew to a fairly large, lumpy mass.  We stopped the antibiotic; the vet tested it and found no trace of cancer.  You can pull the lump away, so I don't think it's attached to anything.  It doesn't bother her - she doesn't bite at it, lick it, or anything like that.  She's a very high strung dog, and her one experience with surgery at approx. 4 yrs. old did not go very well, so we're really hesitant to go that route.  The lump has stretched so that it appears the fur has gone.  There is another small lump growing on the big lump.  The skin was dry, but for the past week and a half, we have been rubbing black ointment on it once a day.  It's squishy and feels as there may be fluid in it.  Any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.  FYI - her name is Sheeba and we love her very much!  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Beth, Well, I am glad you are not going to remove this.  The vet did the test and determined it was just a mass of unknown causes?
Most are fatty tissue that has been displaced.  Yes, Black ointment is a good choice and helps pets and people many times.  

I am wondering if you can give her some Vitamin E just (1) of a 150 IU per day for about a month.  See if it helps to reduce the size of the area.

There are many other things you can try but I think the Vitamin E would be a good start.

Keep me posted!

Marie Peppers LPN MA
Ask the Pet Nurse


************************************
NuVET Plus - The BEST...
http://www.nuvet.com/81098
**tell them Pet nurse Marie sent you *
************************************