Aging Black Lab, Lumps And Bumps.

[dickythecook]

My parents have a lovely rescue black lab. She has fatty lumps which I am told are nothing to worry about. She is just entering her 10 th year. My dear old mum (86) fears the dog Mollie is diabetic. The dog is exercised regularly and her general health seems good, apart from the fatty lumps. Her visual acuity is good although in close proximity she can't see the barn door. Mollie has been in the family for 7 years. My nephew and nieces adore her. They have their own rescue dog as well, Merrie, a very blonde golden retriever.
Any thoughts would be appreciated. TIA
dtc

[andy-hughes]

If she seems happy and healthy, and more importantly, your vet agrees, then carry on.

If there comes a time when she is suffering and in pain, then you have to show her the most love, and let her go.

[dickythecook]

Thanks Andy, my thoughts entirely. But how can you break your mother's heart gently?

[andy-hughes]

You have to tell her how it is - that the ultimate love you can show your pet is to put your love for her below the need to end her suffering.

It is impossibly hard, but it has to be done when the time comes.

[jakep]

If Mollie had diabetes she would become very ill, very quickly, so it does seem unlikely at this stage. Sounds like she is being kept healthy and entering her older years well.
Having worked in a veterinary practice for some years my final thoughts would be to let her go when she is ready, and that's not necessarily when the family are. Some way off yet though.

[lankeela]

Best thing is to take her for a general health check to see how she is - if she has got anything wrong then its not fair to deny her treatment and even if its something bad then is it fair to ignore that? Would you refuse to take your mother to the doctor if you thought she had something wrong? Its all part of owning a dog, and you have to do what is right for them, not for the owners.

[viv41]

My thoughts are take her to the vet for a check up.