Passed TDI - Cyst On Paw

Good or bad news first?

How about chronological order?

First off. I don't remember if I updated on Winston's eye. It was a cyst, and it cleared up on it's own, perfectly within the next week.

Last saturday (August 6th) Winston passed his Therapy Dog International test and also his AKC Canine Good Citizenship Award. We traveled to Lewisburg with one of my good friends and passed SSD trainers, Betsy. She was testing Scarlette, a 12 month old relative of Winston. (whom I fell head over heals in love with!) Winston did amazing, and I am so proud of my baby!

The week went by fast, Winston barked a lot in the crate and kennel while I worked, but that's okay.

I went to bed wednesday night after my nightly goodnight routine with Winston (petting him and playing a tiny bit). When I woke up thursday morning he had a quarter sized, red, irratated, almost oozing/open, lump on the inside of his right paw. I freaked out, called the vet and got an appointment for 3pm. I took out some frozen Busy Buddies and gave them to him before running the errands I had scheduled to run. There was no way he could work with that on his paw. Made in home just in time to pick him up and make it to the vet. At this point I knew it wasn't a tumor but it really looked like one. Doctor Barren my vet came right out and saw us in the waiting room. He is very concerned. He did a topical swab biopsy and it is not a tumor of any sort. It is another cyst, but much more serious. Winston is on an antibiotic and if it is not any better by monday morning we will be referred to a specialist. Doctor Barren said that he has seen them on Labs, in that specific area, get so bad, that they require amputation.

I can't think about it, I have to take this one day at a time. He has had two doses of his antibiotic and I think it seems less red and irratated, although the size is the same. I'm on my way to PetSmart to get dog food and more toys to keep him occupied. My dad kept saying things like "Well, you can't have a three legged service dog, so i'll take him." It took everything in me not to cry. Winston responds well to Antibiotics, so lets just hope for the best.

Please keep him in your prayers!