Dog Community

vaccine site lump?

Posted : 1/19/2007 2:40:52 PM

Molly has a bump/cyst right beside her shoulder blade on the right side. I discovered this Christmas day and have been keeping an eye on it. It's only skin involved as I can easily lift it up and it's not attached to anything. Hasn't gotten bigger, nor changed color (it's skin colored). I intend to get it checked but am paying off a thorough vet check plus complete blood panel on my geezer meezer, so she's gotta wait a couple more weeks.
Anyway last night it occurred to me she had her rabies booster just before Thanksgiving. Could this possibly be a bump left over from that? I'll get it checked regardless of answers I get (not looking for medical opinions to avoid a vet bill)....just curious.

Sherrie Porter

Posted : 1/19/2007 3:11:59 PM

Rabies does have a slightly higher risk of a local vaccine reaction than the distemper, but not near as high as, say, feline leukemia. I would have it checked by the vet as soon as you can, it's probably nothing but every once and a while the reaction can lead to a cancerous growth. Now, that's very rare, but it does happen. Most likely it is just a local reaction and it could take up to six-eight weeks to disappear. That's why alot of vets are giving the vaccines in the upper thigh area, that way if cancer does develop, you can amputate the leg. There is nothing to amputate if the reaction is between the shoulder blades. I'm not trying to scare you, like I said it's probably just a local reaction. But get it checked when you can anyway. Just to be safe. Hope I haven't scared you. Good luck!

calliecritturs

Posted : 1/19/2007 7:20:32 PM

The typical thing you'll see is a lump that is just plain swollen tissue -- not 'rooted' underneath.

Try this -- it often works.

Simply 'pluck' that tissue -- pick it up and let it 'snap' back - gently but firmly. Do that a few times in succession -- literally you are stimulating the blood to circulate in the area. Don't do it if the dog reacts like it hurts, and when the dog shows 'annoyance' that's enough. But do this a couple of times a day as you think of it and often in a few weeks it will simply go away. Has worked well for me in the past more than a few times.

miranadobe

Posted : 1/19/2007 11:45:11 PM

Cathy - I did similarly w/G's reaction site and it definitely went away faster. From nickel/quarter size down to a pimple size in a matter of days once I started manipulating it.

marynh

Posted : 1/20/2007 8:56:22 AM

I shall try that between now and the time I get her to the vet. It doesn't seem to bother her. It's not attached to anything at all.

glenmar

Posted : 1/20/2007 9:02:36 AM

This is most likely from the vaccine. But, yes, it should be checked when you're able to have that done. Sometimes they get wierd lumps and bumps and they just happen for no reason.......