<2021-09-10T21:24:39.000Z> Wichawd_Wagnew: Doc, I've got a male coonhound about 12-14 years old
<2021-09-10T21:26:07.000Z> Wichawd_Wagnew: he's got an enlarged nipple that hanging down about 1/2 inch 
<2021-09-10T21:26:57.000Z> Wichawd_Wagnew: no lumps or tenderness around the area, but i think it might be a sign of cancer
<2021-09-10T21:28:05.000Z> Wichawd_Wagnew: he's not in pain. he pisses on the floor sometimes now for no reason, but it's not a big deal
<2021-09-10T21:28:53.000Z> Wichawd_Wagnew: i don't want to go in to the vet because they'll try to guilt me into xrays, surgery, chemo for the dog
<2021-09-10T21:29:31.000Z> Wichawd_Wagnew: also if i know it's cancer i think i'll just be so sad. he's the best dog.
<2021-09-10T21:30:21.000Z> Wichawd_Wagnew: but the nipple thing is pretty noticeable. do you think it'd be weird if i just asked the local vet to slice off the enlarged nipple and not go looking for cancer? 
<2021-09-10T21:33:12.000Z> Wichawd_Wagnew: thank you in advance
<2021-09-11T06:42:23.000Z> Tepid_Tapir: It's not too likely for males to get breast cancer. Are you sure it's a nipple and not a skin tag?
<2021-09-11T06:51:32.000Z> Tepid_Tapir: Mammary tumors don't usually have like just enlarged nipples, pic related is a very large mammary tumor example. It could be infected, or just be an old dog lump. But I do think you need to find a vet you feel comfortable with - with an older dog, the last thing you need is avoiding vet visits because you dislike your vet. Because of covid, you can actually find a lot of vet services online now too to give you a professional opinion (I can't diagnose, give prognosis, or prescribe meds!). I've never personally dealt with those Tele-vets though so I can't tell ya if they're worth it https://img.poast.org/5c2fb0cf3f39e146da857ad533eab4470caa70694b888e32ebf25af085f0cf5f.jpeg
<2021-09-11T06:55:05.000Z> Tepid_Tapir: You can also get it lopped off  for cosmetic reasons even if nothing is wrong at all (I've seen a lot of people just wanting lumps n bumbs removed for cosmetic), just keep in mind he will need to be sedated at least partially. Before they use any dexdomitor make sure his heart can handle it, or use an alternative to knock him out.
<2021-09-11T06:56:58.000Z> Tepid_Tapir: Hope everything goes OK! Remember if you bring him to  vet and you're not liking the plans of action they are coming up with, you can always tell them you want a second opinion and take him elsewhere 
<2021-09-11T14:19:49.000Z> Wichawd_Wagnew: Thank you for the response. I'm going to find another vet around here and get the dog in next week.
<2021-09-11T16:40:53.000Z> Tepid_Tapir: Alrighty let me know if you need help! If you let them know ahead of time of money constraints or you don't want to do anything too invasive, they are usually willing to work with you. With that old of a coonhound, they should understand apprehension to go into invasive procedures. You just want to make his retirement comfy as possible :bunhdcomfyhappy: 
<2022-09-20T00:27:23.000Z> Wichawd_Wagnew: know anything about Rapamycin and dogs? My dog's old as hell, and he's starting to slow down and isn't moving too great. I thought maybe I'd be able to buy him a few more years or try to keep his health up
<2022-09-20T00:35:44.000Z> Wichawd_Wagnew: rapamycinfordogs.com/rapamycin-for-dogs-faqs/
<2022-09-20T00:38:22.000Z> Tepid_Tapir: So what's the issue with the dog, mobility?
<2022-09-20T00:39:02.000Z> Wichawd_Wagnew: yeah. he's starting to walk funny like he's got arthritis especially in hind legs, and just generally slowing down
<2022-09-20T00:39:13.000Z> Wichawd_Wagnew: coonhound, maybe 15 years old?
<2022-09-20T00:39:19.000Z> Wichawd_Wagnew: 50 lbs-ish
<2022-09-20T00:43:54.000Z> Tepid_Tapir: I'd recommend talking to your vet about that. I've only ever heard of it used in canine oncology and even there my experience is extremely limited. 
<2022-09-20T00:44:55.000Z> Tepid_Tapir: Glucosamine is good for arthritis symptoms. It can't create cartilage but it helps maintain what's still there. You can get a good quality supplement OTC like soliquin or dasaquin
<2022-09-20T00:45:50.000Z> Wichawd_Wagnew: yup. just started him on this
<2022-09-20T00:45:50.000Z> Wichawd_Wagnew: amazon.com/Glucosamine-Dogs-Supplement-glucosamine-Chondroitin/dp/B07G2STJHN/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=HXW0957BJ2ID&keywords=pethonesty+joint&qid=1663634732&sprefix=pethonesty+joint%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&smid=AV07BNZLJGBKM
<2022-09-20T00:46:13.000Z> Wichawd_Wagnew: should've been giving it to him for years but i was lazy. hopefully it's not too late to help him out some.
<2022-09-20T00:46:28.000Z> Tepid_Tapir: You can also look for chondroitin, which is also found in a lot of foods labeled for senior dogs
<2022-09-20T00:48:01.000Z> Tepid_Tapir: What helped me out with a really old dog was ludicrous amounts of CBD. You'll have to see how it affects your dog though and go from there. It is also extremely important you're getting pure CBD oxalate, as small amounts of THC will quickly build up toxicity 
<2022-09-20T00:49:07.000Z> Wichawd_Wagnew: ok that's good to know too. next time i get food, you think this biljac senior formula is good? it's got chondroitin in it and glucosamine
<2022-09-20T00:49:08.000Z> Wichawd_Wagnew: bil-jac.com/products/senior-select-formula-dog-food/
<2022-09-20T00:49:31.000Z> Tepid_Tapir: I literally had to buy an oil concentrate, one of those things that measures weight in an enclosed area, and gel capsules to make my own CBD pills for her. But she was super bad off, and spent most of her life sleeping anyway 
<2022-09-20T00:53:57.000Z> Tepid_Tapir: i had to look into it a bit sorry
<2022-09-20T00:54:56.000Z> Tepid_Tapir: that looks like a good brand! At this age we're really looking at things to help with the joints if mobility is our biggest concern.
<2022-09-20T00:55:39.000Z> Tepid_Tapir: another thing that will help is, if the dog isn't already, try to get the weight down to normal or even a smidge below normal. Less weight on the joints.
<2022-09-20T00:58:13.000Z> Wichawd_Wagnew: yeah he's lost quite a bit over the past few years. definitely not a chubster. looking a little on the skinny side but not sickly-looking. coat is healthy
<2022-09-20T01:00:40.000Z> Tepid_Tapir: its hard cuz you naturally want your old animals to be fat and happy like a grandpa, but sometimes especially with our big dogs being chunky is harder on them when they get older
<2022-09-20T01:01:17.000Z> Wichawd_Wagnew: true, true. fortunately for me i guess, he doesn't eat when he doesn't want to, so he never really had much of a weight problem
<2022-09-20T01:12:50.000Z> Wichawd_Wagnew: thanks doc
<2022-09-20T01:12:53.000Z> Wichawd_Wagnew: much appreciated
<2022-09-20T01:17:07.000Z> Tepid_Tapir: im not a doctor reeeeee
<2022-09-20T01:18:02.000Z> Wichawd_Wagnew: haha
<2022-09-20T01:18:16.000Z> Wichawd_Wagnew: thank you for the knowledge sir
<2022-09-20T01:24:31.000Z> Tepid_Tapir: its no prob, good luck with your pup i hope it goes well