My dogs back leg is swollen

Hello, just found this forum as I'm after some advice for my dog. It's a nightmare trying to get to a vets when they only open in the week when I'm at work! :x

I have a 9 year old Whippet who about a fortnight ago developed a small lump on the side of the lower part of his back leg between his foot and the elbow. I though nothing much of it at first and decided to see if it went away. Within the last week his whole lower leg has swollen up around the elbow very noticeably. The odd thing is that he is not limping, the swelling is not sensitive to touch and it doesn't seem to be causing him any pain or discomfort at all.

I'm at a loss as to what this could be, but as I said it's very difficult for me to get to the vets!

Any advice would be appreciated :y_the_best:

Graham

 

I know its tough for you but you need to go and see a vet, maybe a friend could take him for you? A lot of lumps, especially at this age are harmless, my own whippet had them all over and they were all fatty cysts, the lumps werent disabilitating to her in any way and so it wasnt worth the anaesthetic risk to have them removed, if they become disabilitating then they are generally removed, however they usually dont suddenly swell up that much over a short period of time. Is your dog otherwise acting normal? eating, drinking etc?
I would definitely take the dog in.

 

Lots of vets will allow a drop off for the day and pick up in the evening and will call you with an assessment when the vet has a chance to look at the dog... If you can't find a friend to help you out you could always try that with your vet.

 

Thanks for the replies. Yes I will get someone to take him to the vet, probably my parents. Can't really leave him there as he's very nervous about being left alone or being left with strangers.

He's not off his food, seems his usual self - but the amount of swelling in such a short time is alarming and I don't think it can be a cyst from that point of view. Perhaps it's an infection, or an allergic reaction to something. Hmm, like you say - only a vet can tell I suppose. Thanks anyway.