health question

Question
There is a hard lump on the right side under the arm of my american cocker spaniel.  When I touch it, saharina doesn't act like it hurts.  But, when I go to pick her up, I have to be very careful, because if I pick her up a certain way, she cries.  I don't pick her up under her arms.  I pick her up like a sheep, from the back side with one arm and the front of my hand just under her chest.

I took her to a vet right after I noticed the pain.  This was at pet smart, and they said it was probably just a bruise and it would pass.  Well, it didn't.  She eats fine and drinks fine, but she has a little limp sometimes.  Anything you can offer will be appreciated.
Thanks so much!
Sandi Strom

Answer
As dogs get older, they develop various lumps.  Since it seems to cause pain in some cases, I would check with another vet.  It could be depressing her activity level.  Often removing a lump seems to take years off an older dog.  Unfortunately, all too often as soon as you have one lump removed, another forms.