What's That Smell???

On July 8th I had 45 Seborrhea cyst removed plus 3 suspicious cyst. I have recovered and today I got my stitches out. I feel much better but I have 4 places that will take longer to heal. I have to have my front legs wrapped for another 2 weeks. The stitches came out (really I pulled them out) and I have a spot on both back legs that are unable to be wrapped due to wear they are located. I have to wear band aids on the area when I go out to reduce risk of infection. One spot was from wear while at a pet store a cat ran up behind me and clawed me and broke the stitches and one is on the knee.

While I was getting my stitches out today, the vet came in and examined me and told ma that he had told her a little fib last time he spoke to her. Reason he said he fibbed is because he knew the news that I blew the record of Seborrhea cyst removal , record was 28, out of the water and he was concerned that it would be a little much for ma to take. Today he told her that the 3 suspicious spots were small tumors. Two tumors were benign but the one on my back had precancerous cells in it. This tumor was on my hip and was causing my back to hurt. I had stopped running for long periods like I loved to do and jumping up in the bed. Dad insisted it was because I was 7 yrs old and wasn't a spry puppy anymore but ma didn't agree.

The Dr. says that we caught it in time but there are times that the tumors never go full blown cancer and can stay at what is known as a Grade 1 stage. Some breeds are more prone to it and they really don't know what causes it. It could be exposure to viruses, toxins, or a gene that runs in the family or unknown reasons. Dogs are over the age of 5 yrs old are more likely to get cancer. 

Ma had mentioned to the Dr. on my last checkup and when I went for my health exam to fly to Blogpaws  that I had a odd smell to me and it just wasn't right. The Dr. sniffed me and said I didn't smell odd but ma said that she could smell something different with me. That is when they first talked about having these cyst removed. The doctor told her they were cosmetic but since there was a few bothering me, he would take them off whenever she wanted to schedule surgery. Two weeks before I had the surgery, ma and I was cuddling and she started sniffing me. Its not uncommon for ma to give me the sniff test. She sniffs my ears, my breathe, and my body. That woman can smell a ear infection coming on before I get the symptoms! But that was the 1st time I heard her tell dad it was time to get these cyst off because something wasn't right. 

The Dr. asked her today if my odd smell was still there and she said no but I could use a freshening AKA bath. BOL! All I know is that I am glad that my ma has a sniffer of a blood hound. As for that bath, it has to wait a couple more weeks because I can't get my bandages wet. 

I need to do more research before I can talk about canine cancer but as soon as I do find out more I will let you know. All I know is if you suspect a bump or a smell that isn't right , you really need to talk to your vet. 
My vet did give me a paper telling the signs of cancer in pets but it also states that all these things can be other things also and not just cancer. 

The words in the red are those symptoms I had.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has developed the following list common signs of cancer in small animals.

1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow  
2. Sores that do not heal  
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetite  
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening 
6. Offensive odor  (according to ma) 
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness 
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating
    
    

Now I am enjoying a 20 minute run, playing more, jumping in the beds and on the couch and acting like a puppy. My appetite has improved and I am feeling great. I want to thank each and every one of you who prayed for me, gave me words of support and sent your love during my surgery and recovery. My ma appreciates it more than words can say. You gave her strength and sent me healing powers through all this. Thank you for all that you do for me. 
I love you all.