bump

Question
Hi there,
yday night we left my house and went for a run. Me and my 4 year old labrador retriever that is. We went for about 2-3km straight and slept over at someones house. He slept the night in the garage. To my surprise this morning his front elbow had a bump on it. It noticable, but not like the size of a tennis ball. It causes him no discomfort and he plays normally. When i touch it he doesnt whine or anything. What could this be? Do i need to go to the doctor right away or should i watch it for a day or 2.  

thanks

Answer
Hi RI,

Are you sure the "bump" isn't a swelling?
You didn't say if the bump has has fluid in it, if it feels hot to the touch, or if it looks inflamed or red.

If this were my dog, I'd get him to the vet as soon as possible. You don't need to rush your dog to a vet this very moment, but I'd get it done this week. Take a picture or two of the inflamed area, so if the condition seems to be getting better by the time the vet appointment rolls around, you can show your vet how bad it was.

Dog's are pretty stoic about showing pain. Just because he seems okay, doesn't mean that he is okay. Don't run with your dog again until he's been examined. If the swelling happens to be related to the level of exercise your dog had (the 2-3km run) then your dog's elbow joint needs a rest.

Not knowing the cause of the bump, and not knowing if it's a swelling or not, you shouldn't apply either hot or cold compresses to the area.

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti