Dog advice.

[Thingee 0]

Alright, back story first. Zoe the dog was adopted as an adult by my ex-husbands previous wife. When they split up Zoe stayed with him. When he and I got together she moved in with us. When we split up he left her with me. Alright, the dog hasn't had the easiest life...I'm totally ignorant as to her past..no idea how old she is etc. Even her breeding is a matter of debate..I think she's a border collie/austrailian shepherd mix..fairly large dog..she goes about 65 pounds during the winter, usually drops 5 or so during the hot months.

I know she's getting up there in years and has all the standard old age dog complaints. Her bladder doesn't hold as much as it used to, she limps after laying on the floor too long, and I suspect her hearing is starting to go.

Now for the question. I found a smallish(bigger than a pencil eraser, smaller than a penny) pink lump on her foreleg a few days ago..it doesn't seem tender, and is fairly firm. Yes, I know to take her to the vet. I'm wondering if this is most likely going to be a hefty vet bill in which case I need to try and guilt the ex into helping with the costs or if I should be fine(meaning under 100-150 dollars) Either way she's gotta go in but I really don't need a 500 dollar vet bill at this point.

FYI, I didn't ask to be left with the dog..it was either me or the pound..he didn't want her anymore, neither did his ex, thus the comment about the help with the vet bill.

[brnidokiegurl 0]

Not knowing the vet or area i woudnt think to high, but call and explain to the office girl and ask price approx.

[Sharon 1]

Some dogs get dog "warts" in old age. I had a shepherd who got them, maybe it's that?

I'd suggest a check-up at least for the dog, and if it's anything more serious, the vet will let you know. He won't charge you (except for the check-up) if he hasn't done anything to remedy the problem, if it is indeed a problem. If it's something more serious and is going to cost more, you can always talk to your ex about contributing then.

[Thingee 0]

That's probably going to be my best bet. She needs heartworm refills anyway. No more 'occasional' bills allowed this month. *Sigh*