A Dedication

Before we get into the regular bloggy shenanigans this week, I would like to share some personal news. Those of you who have been regular readers have certainly read about my family's dog, Argo. Those of you who have been reading since the initial incarnation of this blog at wordpress may remember that I only adopted Argo around four months ago, when he was about 18 months old. He has quickly become an important part of the family (he initially lived with me; now he lives with my parents and brother, where he has a backyard and much bigger house to run around in).

This past week, we found some sort of lump behind his neck, and the vet surgically removed it. He did not want to make any speculations as to what it was, or whether it was malignant or not. This morning, we spotted a new similar lump in a different location, on the opposite side of Argo's body. We expect to hear from the vet with the results from the biopsy tomorrow (Monday). My general plan is to remain optimistic, and deal with the potential bad news when it comes.

That said, my blogging this week is dedicated to Argo.

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Wow...2 years old seems pretty young for most cancers, unless he had some underlying disease. In cats one might worry about feline leukemia virus, which can sometimes give young cats lymphoma- I don't know if a similar thing happens in dogs.
Also, two lumps that close in time make me think cancer is less likely. But I'm no vet- I only know what I learned studying feline cancer when my cat had lymphoma.
In any event, I will never forget how long 3 days seems when you are waiting for a biopsy on a beloved pet. I am sorry that you and Argo are having to go through this and I hope that it is not cancer and is something benign or easily curable.

Looks like a fine dog. Alert, smart and energetic. I wish you luck as you wait for the other shoe to fall.

We had a cancer scare with one of our dogs last year. It was a spleenic tumour and when it was removed, weighed 4.7kg. I was so shocked to learn how big it was and felt so guilty that e let it grow so big. We just assumed that she was gaining weight again and we had gone to the vet months earlier and she said it was fine.

It was a horrible time for my family. I wish you and your family the best of luck.