Gobbles AMPS 118 HELP - LYMPH NODE

[TheBowHuntress]

Hi all, Gobbles still has FD; he is currently on .50f every 12 hours and his BG averages about 110. A few months ago when I was grooming him, I noticed what I thought was a small lump on his throat--didn't think too much of it. I took him to the vet in June for a routine visit and blood work + urinalysis. His blood work and urinalysis was all good. The vet told me he had a 5mm lymph node on right mandibular--the lump is on his neck/throat area--not anywhere near his mouth. He said it could be an allergic reaction, although Gobbles has no sneezing, itching, runny eyes, etc. I took him back two weeks later and the vet did a fna -- his findings were just "fatty cells". I went back last week and told him the lump seemed bigger, and his reply was that I needed to get a full blown biopsy, which they do not do there. My other vet does. HOWEVER, I see no point in putting Gobbles through surgical biopsy because I have no plans to start chemo and/or radiation, and from what I am finding out is that the node cannot be removed. Does anyone have experience with this type of medical issue? My daughter suggested a product, Life Gold, which I'm willing to give a try. My thinking is that maybe his FD came back because there was something going on with his lymph glands back in February (which was when Gobbles went back On The Juice).

 

[BJM]

I would think dental infection first; x-rays would be needed to locate an abscess below the gum line.
A lipoma - tumor of fatty cells - is benign and may be left alone so long as it is not causing other problems (ex obstructing breathing). They do grow (I have several myself)
And did they check thyroid function? Thyroid disease can be accompanied by increases in the size of the glands.

 

[tiffmaxee]

Thyroid was what came to my mind and would explain needing insulin again too. They always check for nodules to diagnose hyperthyroidism but growing that big I just don't know.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

BJ posted pretty much what I was thinking.

 

[carfurby (GA)]

I don't have any advice. Just sending prayers and hugs.

 

[Marycatmom]

I'm a bit surprised that the vet suggested a surgical biopsy when they know it's fatty cells from the first biopsy. I sure wouldn't do that without a second opinion.

 

[rhiannon and shadow (GA)]

I have that product, Life Gold, and I am trying to use it on a consistent basis so I can't tell you if it's doing anything. I have so many pills/meds going on that I hated adding another one but I'm feeling desperate.
I also was using infrared but realized that I really can't tell you if it slowed things down, made things better, or not.

My personal experience with lipomas is and my vet is starting to agree with me...
is that they are the body's way of setting up shop for future cancer. I've had two pets now that had lipomas and they were nothing , just fat for a year and then suddenly cancer.
My vet who sees them on a regular basis says she's seen that quite a few times as well now that I've pointed it out.
Shadow has her 3rd lipoma now ( she had the first 2 cut off) and I'm dealing with likely lymphoma.

I would definitely seek another opinion because if it's just a lipoma, it should be removable.
Is it free floating where you can feel it ( like a small egg) or does it feel attached? The attached kind are worse.

 

[Marilyn and Sheldon]

Excellent thoughts from earlier posters. From me? Vines. Lots of them.

Marilyn and Polly

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Could be due to an infection or maybe lymphoma/cancer. A fine-needle aspirate examined under a microscope might be useful. Only light sedation MAY be required to obtain it.

 

[Anne & Zener GA]

No suggestions here, there are so many good ones. I am always amazed by the knowledge people have here. Paws crossed for Gobbles and hugs to you.

 

[julie & punkin (ga)]

No advice from me either, just

 

[mariko]

More vines and hugs.