Re: Craet-Hunter's lump

[Gina Heitz <brier@oregonsbest.com>]

At 06:40 PM 11/8/00 -0800, you wrote:
> Hunter had surgery
> today on a lump on his neck, this is the perfect time for him to be in
> his crate.  
>   

Carol,

 I remember you telling me (sort of my mind has not been clear for
months due to Rocky) that Hunter had a lump and didn't we think it was
from rooting in the yard or possibly an imbedded grass seed?  Or was
it just that I suggested such?  See the fog in my mind??? 

Anyway, I know your concerned as I am too!  But I would not worry
bunches.  There are many little things this could be.  For
instance a grass seed or some other foreign material could be at the root
in capsulated causing the lump.  A swollen salivary gland is as well
a possibility as well as a clogged oil gland, or a histo sistoma
<sp>.   All of which are just things that happen, things
that are not any thing to worry about beyond oh crud and the
wallet.   

I think your thoughts are on cancer, did the vet say he thought the
tissue was in any way suspicious?  Did he give you any reason for
alarm or did he say let's biopsy just to be on the safe side?  Most
vet's these days do like to send off tissue removed even if they can
positively identify the cells.  Vet medicine is getting really good
and our pet's are being treated like humans more and more.  I
applaud this care in vet medicine and respect the vet's who do go the
extra mile looking.  You're vet as we have discussed is a very
concerned individual who keeps his education up and has some very
progressive idea's.  A good vet!   

Just for what it's worth  and an attempt to make you feel better and be
able to wait for the biopsy with more ease, not trying to minimize your
concern at all:  Hunter is only 7 months old and the chances that he
has some form of cancer are extremely rare.  I am willing to bet
that this is simply a "shit happens thing".  Please call
your vet and tell him again how alarmed you are and ask him for a better
explanation.  As well usually with in 24 hours of sending off for a
biopsy a preliminary report of cell findings is avail to the vet. 
Perhaps you can get a preliminary answer now and report back to us
please.  

Of course we all send our best thoughts out to you and Hunter, we always
do that mushrooming eating bird crazy boy!  I am so glad he likes
his crate!  

Gina