Lump alert! 😱 You’re giving your dog a scratch and, wait, what’s that bump?

Don’t spiral into “lumpageddon” just yet! Join us on this week’s Paws & Effect Podcast with Dr Lauren Myles, Veterinary Surgeon at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital, as we dig into the bumpy world of lumps, bumps, and everything in between.

Dr Myles generously shares her expertise (and her legendary calm-in-a-crisis). She’s here to help pet parents separate the “no biggie” nipples from the “nip-down-to-the-vet” nasties, covering:

• ⁠The hairy truth: Why not all lumps are created equal (you won’t believe what some owners have tried to remove 🤦‍♂️)

• Speed bumps: How quickly a lump appears, and grows, really does matter!
• When to brush it off and when to dash to the vet (sometimes it’s urgent, sometimes it’s just a pup’s puberty)
• The inside scoop on fine needle aspirates (no, it’s not a spice, but it is a game changer for diagnostics)
• ⁠Cutting through the confusion: What “benign” vs. “malignant” means for your pet
• ⁠Real talk about costs, choices, and how to keep your cool through a “lump in your throat” moment

Packed with real stories from the clinic, science made simple, and just a whisker of veterinary wit, this episode strikes the perfect balance between fun and the serious business of pet health. Because when it comes to lumps, a little knowledge goes a long way, and acting early really can be a life-saver.

🐕‍🦺 Don’t lose your head over a mystery bump, tune in, get the scoop, and always check those pups (and kitties!) for any new “surprises.”

Hit that follow button for more tail-wagging tips and share this episode with a friend because with lumps, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

SPONSOR: Ultra Pet

Check out Ultra Pets New range for Brachy breeds here: https://ultra-pet.co.za/product/premium-recipe-for-short-muzzled-adult-dogs/

Connect with Dr Carra:

Website: https://drcarra.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ultrapetvet/

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/

Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/

Connect with Dr Lauren:

Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/

Podcast Production:

This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative and filmed onsite at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital.

Kythe Creative : https://kythecreative.co.za/

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet:

This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at www.ultra-pet.co.za

Just For Pets:

Justforpets.co.za is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy - Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/

FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND GUEST APPEARANCES, Email us at drcarra@pawsandeffect.co.za and we'll get in touch with you.

Don't forget to LIKE this if you found it helpful, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and content like this.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

00:00 Podcast: Identifying Harmless vs. Dangerous Lumps

05:50 Identifying Lump Growth Patterns

07:37 Urgent Care for Sudden Swellings

10:17 Initial Exam Prior to Lump Focus

14:43 Fine Needle Aspirate Explained

17:11 Describing Benign Masses in Detail

23:14 Rapidly Growing Soft Lumps Alert

24:35 Early Removal of Dog Lumps

30:10 Understanding Histopathology: Importance of Margins

33:47 Cancer Detection Limits in Blood Tests

35:31 Avoid Reconstructive Surgery on Spread Tumours

40:04 Costly Pet Care Decisions

43:19 Managing Post-Surgery Complications

45:58 Surgical Decisions in Veterinary Cases

50:34 Pets Tolerate Chemo Well

52:13 Early Vet Check Crucial