Growth

Our normal vet refuses to see my dog, because we went to the pet ER and they said she had kidney issues and should see a specialist. We can’t afford that. She is over 14 yrs old and I can’t tell if she is comfortable anymore. She has developed a growth on her side that grew what seemed like over night. Mind you she had a growth at one time on her leg (not there anymore just vanished one day) but the vet at that time said ‘old age’ I just don’t know what to do. She has developed this cough (sounds like she is a smoker trying to get something up)

I’m really sorry you’re going through this. It sounds incredibly hard, especially when you’re trying to do what’s best for her but feeling stuck because of cost and uncertainty. If you can, maybe try to focus on her quality of life right now—like whether she’s still eating, able to rest comfortably, enjoying any small moments, or if she seems more distressed than peaceful. That can sometimes help guide what the “right” next step is.

I think the real focus here has to be on quality of life. Actually, the cough is worrying me more than the lump, as it doesn't seem like that's bothering her at the moment. That said, I'm also concerned that the relationship between you and your vet seems to have broken down. I think that getting a second opinion or even transferring care to another veterinary practice and getting some more specific advice from someone who can fully examine her and who you trust is probably the best step now. Good luck!