lab w / lumps

Question
we have an older lab 10-12 yrs. He has developed some lumps in his flank area (lemon sized), and his lower rib cage and also smaller ones on his knee joint area. We didnt notice them until we oput him on a diet and he thinned out- also they appear to be larger than couple months ago. He is very arthritis, and has developed some bladder control issues. Also alot of hair loss. We dont have lots of money to test this dog for cancers/ x-rays etc. Is there any inexpensive test to see if his lumps are melignant or not? He has about 4 of them.He doesnt seem to be in pain- but he is a very stoic dog.
How would I know if this dog was in pain or had cancer- he does sleep all the time.

Answer
Paula -

You can ask your veterinarian to do  a fine needle aspirate of those lumps and that may tell you the status of those lumps.

You can also request that bloodwork be done; bloodwork will let you evaluate liver and kidney function to let you know how those organs are working.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM