Bwana Kennel

It is a simple fact that nearly all lines of Rhodesian Ridgebacks are prone to developing "Lumps and Bumps" as they grow older.   The majority of these will prove to be benign. Simple fatty tumors. While possibly distressing to an unaware owner, they are thought to be a side result of the blending of so many breeds when the Ridgeback was created.

 These are lipomas on a nearly 13 year old bitch, had grown slowly over approximately 3 years.  They present as a reasonably soft and rounded mass, untethered to muscle or bone.  When palpated they have a smooth surface.  In our experience, and that of our vet, 98% of these are simple fatty tumors.  Removing them is a matter of aesthetics for the owner , since most are ignored by the host animal.  While they do not recurred the same location , it is not uncommon to find they reoccur in a nearby area.  Left alone they are harmless, unless positioned in a manner to create pressure on a nerve or possibly block a vital organ or orifice. It is strongly recommended that the mass be needle biopsied AFTER an injection of Benadryl has been administered. The thinking being the histimic release of cells from the tumor into the body will be better controlled when the tumor surface is broken by the needle for biopsy. Even though the majority are benign, you should still have them tested. The vet will aspirate cells and send them off to be identified and graded.  Should the tumor prove to be malignant there are many treatments available.

A final note , if you wish to greatly reduce the chance of your dog developing tumors of any kind, it is highly reccommended that you feed your dog either a B A R F diet or at the least one very limited in the Hot Carbs thought to promote the growth of tumors of all kinds. Hot Carbs are Corn, Wheat, Soy and White Rice.  ( Brown rice is only marginally cooler)  . Cool Carbs would be Potato,  Sweet Potato, Barley and Oatmeal.  They provide needed fiber while inhibiting tumor growth.  

 The Tumor you see both above and below was thought to be a MCT ( Mast Cell Tumor) this dog had one approx. 2 years prior in the same location.  Upon excision we sent it off and it came back as cancer free, however the abraded and scabby appearance was caused by his continual washing of the area.  The scar tissue never fully healed, allowing him to eventually create this sore.  The small mass and the surrounding keloid scaring was removed and he was guarded day and night for nearly a month to protect the area, allowing it to heal cleanly. He will have to continue to be watched until he finally "forgets" and leaves it alone 100%. 

 Luckily for him he did leave it alone, with a great deal of pursuasion by humans. The area is clean , scar free and fine. A more dramatic version of tumors can be seen below,  The Fatty Tumor  seen just behind this boy's elbow is very large. Nearly the size of a Naval Orange.  Removing it would reduce the size and appearance but in this 12 year old male it would greatly risk his life. Some of these tumors are slow growing. Others are scary fast. Rather than rush to surgey ALWAYS determine why?  Is the dog in pain? Is the tumor restricting movement? Is it causing pain? Blocking an important orafice or pressing on a nerve?  Or is it simply less attractive than the glorious puppy you played with, you cuddled, housebroke and thought would never stop eating your favorite slippers ? Sadly stuff happens in life. The True love, the Heros figure out how to deal with it.  IT would be a crap shoot to expose this boy to enough surgery to remove the tumor. It isn't hurting him but he could easily die on the table.  Each owner must decide. Did he deserve to be risked because he was no longer the thing of beauty you invested in over a decade ago? Or does he deserve all of your love , because even though you are no longer the same skinney young owner who ,maybe made more money or had more hair  He adores you...

After saying that look long and hard at the post surgical site below?  This dog had a 10 inch diameter, 2.5 pound tumor removed. Totally benign, but positioned in a manner that it compromised the nerves in his hip and leg.  He could end up unable to walk. And having to be medicated to minimize pain. His owners invested in the surgical proceadure to remove the mass. it came back from the lab as a malignant cancer. However by having the surgery he and his family will have more time together. He can push their buttons , pull their strings and everyone involved will love it. Why? Because...... it is......... more time together. Everything ends. But sometimes knowing you gave it your all .....