My dog Snoop had a small lump which grew under his skin over the “wrist” of his right front paw. It started around November last year and at the time, the vet said that it could be an accumulation of fluid and that surgery should be avoided if not necessary. This held true as the lump did not cause him pain, or change his gait or behaviour. Neither was he licking at it constantly.
We left it as it is even though the lump did grow in size very slowly. And the vet had checked it out superficially a couple of times since then. It eventually got to a point where it’s the size of a golf ball so I got the vet to look at it once more on the weekend. This time the vet suggested that we remove the lump, and scheduled Snoop in for surgery this morning.
I received a call from the vet this evening and the prognosis was not as bad as I thought. In summary:
- the removal left quite a gaping wound because there wasn’t much skin available to be stretched across it. A daily dressing change may be required for a while.
- a small nerve affecting one of his claws was removed in the process but it shouldn’t affect his movements much.
- Most of the lump was cut out; parts of it were too close to muscle. It was sent to the Murdoch Veterinary Hospital for analysis. If it’s benign, then we would monitor it. If it’s cancerous, possible amputation of the paw may be required.
Worst come to worst? He loses a paw but he lives. I’m not that shook up over it. I’ve seen dogs with three legs. I’ve even seen a dog with two legs walking upright!
Snoop will remain at the clinic till at least the end of the week. I’m already feeling a gap at home without him running around; restless like I should be doing something.
Though the big difference between this and the last time he was hospitalised when he was hit by a car, is that I’ve now got pet insurance to cover the bills.
So yeah, perspective as always is important. 
17 Responses to “Snoop the dog has surgery”
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Yeah, it’s amazing just how much pets can affect your life, isn’t it? Just a few days without your dog and you already feel like something is kinda missing! You hear stories about people that go into a mild depression when their animal dies, and I can understand why; it’s a big loss! I wish all the best of luck to Snoop but I’m sure he’ll be fine and that he’s a brave dog!
Definitely, I know I felt a big hole for a while when my other dog, an Alaskan Malamute was put down in May 2005. Snoop and I thank you for the well-wishes! Fingers crossed for the results of the analysis.
Take Care Snoop!
I didn’t know there was such a thing as a pet insurance. Anyway, wish you and Snoop all the best.
Get well soon Snoop!
On behalf of Snoop, I thank you all!
10/3: Pet insurance is like medical insurance for pets. It’s certainly worth the money.
hey i saw your mom at ur uncle’s shop in broadway today!
I hope he’s okay. It would be a weird experience for a dog to be put under anesthetic and wake up and find it’s missing a paw.
v.u.: yeah she works there occasionally.
Dabido: well, let’s hope that it won’t come to that.
my own childhood furry pal buddy had three legs (only) for most of his life, and he managed it just fine, if it does come to that with snoop! dogs cope very well without the usual four.
i used to refer to him as ‘the tripod’. it was funny, it had to be amputated when he was a puppy and over the rest of his fifteen year life his remaining front leg seemed to deviate to the centre of his body to support him … hence, tripod.
but i hope all is okay, in any case!
juji: that’s comforting to hear! Snoop and I thank you for your kind wishes!
[...] Snoop had the surgery, the waiting for the lab analysis results of his lump is especially hard. The past few days [...]
hey, give Snoop a little hug for me ya? he’s a brave boy… i’m sure he’ll be fine… =)
Kate: will do, thanks! I shall update when I get more news.
[...] back Snoop back from the clinic this morning. He had been there since Tuesday morning for the surgery. He looks well and lively. The diagnosis was what I have prepared myself for. The lump was a kind [...]
[...] briefly, depression or at the very least melancholia have crept in from time to time since the day Snoop had this surgery. Feelings of grief and sadness are natural. Afterall, humans are empathetic and compassionate [...]
[...] throughout Snoop’s ordeal have been heart-felt and positive – from the time he had his lump removed and diagnosed, to the decision that I had to make to amputate, and to after the amputation. If he was human, he [...]