Histiocytoma?

Apparently that's what he's got goin on on his paw. Doc's gonna do cytology on it anyways (i.e., she's going to take a sample to the lab) just to make sure that it's not a mast cell tumor. She thinks it's much more likely to be a histiocytoma.

Apparently, this is relatively common amongst young adult dogs, and manifests in a red, large, benign tumor, usually on the face or limbs. They tend to emerge almost overnight (um, yep, that's what happened here) and will dissolve on their own after a few months. Here's Otis's.

It doesn't seem to bother him much, but it will bleed at times when he's running on rough surfaces. For instance, when we were at the park on Christmas Eve, he ran through the snowy woods chasing daddy. (They like to play hide-n-seek in the snow.) Then he realized it was stinging and sore and went a little lame. Poor guy. I think the ice and salt irritate it some.

Doc will come back to our house next week to take samples. 'Tis one drama-filled moment after another with Otis, isn't it? I swear...

Oh well, guess that's just our lot in life with him. Luckily he brings us such joy that it's worth any drama that he brings with him. And luckily he seems oblivious to the drama, for the most part. It's only mom and dad that get to enjoy the knowledge of the extent of his problems. Truly is like having a child, I suppose.

Anyhow, here are some more pics of my man-man. Such happiness--reflects what the season means to me. Living in the moment, moving forward without looking back, and finding joy in the simple things. Ah, Otis--what a philosopher you are! ;-)

Updates: again

I tell you what--this dog...

Just when things are looking up, something ALWAYS happens. At least this time it's pretty minor, I suppose. He's got this weird little bump/growth on his front paw. He licks it occasionally, and it bleeds at times. It doesn't seem to really bother him, but still. Really? *curses at the doggy gods*

:-)

Anyhow, otherwise, things are looking up. It's getting colder, but he's loving every second of it. In fact, he just dragged me outside in 10 degree weather to sniff and explore. (He's a sneak, because I took him out under the pretenses of relieving himself, but he had other intentions!) I hope that next spring I can get him in obedience classes--finally--so we can work on his listening skills. He may look like a big boy, but man does he like to act like a puppy!! We want to make sure that we continue to keep him well-socialized, too. We can't go home for the holidays this year, but we have been having some little holiday parties here and there, and Otis is always the center of attention.

 Notice how he just HAD to sit in the middle of the kitchen floor while the boys got their food. He also decided to walk amongst all 17 of them to beg for food. He puts on the cutest face when he's begging...

All in all, 2010 has been quite the year. Never thought having a golden retriever would lead to so much drama! On top of that, we've bought a house and held our new jobs for the first full year. What a whirlwind...can't wait for a little R&R...

And on that note:

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OTIS AND FAMILY!

The holiday season.

I've seen a great improvement in man-man lately. He's getting some "junk in the trunk" now (i.e., his hip muscles are growing) and he's very spry in the snow. He's gaining confidence too--he'll jump and run and play on the ice in ways I hadn't thought he would.

This thanksgiving, my mother-in-law and brother-in-law brought up their 11-year-old golden to play with Otis.

 These two were inseparable. Max acted about 10 years younger and Otis showed his newfound strength. What a great holiday we had! Hikes and playtime...it was wonderful.

Then when I put up the Christmas tree, he and our kitty Butchie loved watching me decorate. Apparently the excitement of Christmas was too much for Otis, because he could barely stay awake as I tried to find places for the last of our ornaments...

I really hope that I continue to see this improvement through the snowy season. I worry a little that he might get a bit of arthritis when it gets bitterly cold--but our first accumulation last night (and his first rambunctious snowy playtime) went off without a hitch. I hope that as we approach the one-year anniversary of surgery number one (in February), he'll be inching closer to 100%...

Now if he'd only jump up into the car and go up the steps...

:-)