1 1/2 year old chihuahua acting very different & has a lump on neck

Question
Hi Patti, I am so glad I found this site. I am so stressed out. My puppy chihuahua, her name is A'lea:) hasn't been acting like herself lately. On the 4th of July we discovered a large lump on her neck. A couple days later puss came out of it and it dried up. We thought everything was okay after that. But then it happened again earlier this week. Same thing happened, it leaked puss and it dried over again. Now there is a new lump on her neck. I don't have much money to take her to the vet. I wanted to see if there were any home remedies to take care of her. She's also been really distant and hides in her pet carrier (which she loves it in there). She's been eating a lot less too. I am praying that it's nothing serious. Your advice would mean so much to me! I would be so grateful! We live in San Diego, CA. Please get back to me as soon as possible. Thanks Patti!

Answer
Hi Angela,

I'm sorry, but I don't have any way of diagnosing your dog. Sometimes, just like with children, there isn't a substitute for medical care for our dogs.

It might be that this cyst is the same cyst your dog has had since July, and occasionally it spontaneously ruptures, only to refill again. There are several kinds of cysts that are common to dogs, that act this way.

A trip to the vet will tell you what kind of a cyst your dog has, as well as treatment options. If you would have trouble paying the vet bill, try talking it over with your vet, and see if you can work out a payment schedule. You might try contacting your local Humane Association or animal shelter. Many times they know of reduced cost veterinary clinics in their area.

Best of luck,
Patti