Doggie's Date with the Doctor: The Details

As promised, here's an update on this girl and her sore foot.

Astrid's date with the doctor today was an easy one. All in all, all is well. The vet she saw today has been practicing for many years, and he knew what he was looking at the second he saw her foot. He informed my sister and I that the sore on Astrid's foot is in fact a tumor, but it's a benign one. It's called a histiocytoma, a type of tumor that often heals on its own within 14-16 weeks. That sure seems like a long time, but we'll take it if that means a good-as-new paw for our Astrid.

The vet did indicate that histiocytomas can be removed. However, he also noted that removing such a tumor from a paw pad is not an easy task, nor is it recommended. Since a pup's paws get a lot of mileage and since they also do not hold sutures well, cutting into them and creating incisions are not recommended unless absolutely necessary. So, the vet and we decided to leave the tumor on Astrid's paw pad alone to take care of itself. Of course, if it worsens or does not go away, then we'll discuss surgery for removal, but we're all remaining optimistic that it will heal.

To avoid drawing her attention to the tumor and her messing with it, and to avoid it getting too moist, we will no longer be wrapping Astrid's paw (which will make her very happy!). Unfortunately, though, unless we can coerce Astrid to accept wearing booties on her feet, we will need to continue holding off on taking our active girl on many walks. That is the best way to allow the tumor to heal and disappear on its own.

So, with the mystery of the sore paw pad solved, now our primary task is keeping this active girl calm so that her little foot can heal.

Rest up, Astrid. You know, just for 14-16 weeks or so.

Wish us luck!