Update Lilly’s Lump: Canine Adnexal Nevus

If you missed the news from late last week, the lump our veterinarian surgically removed from Lilly’s neck was BENIGN … and kind of a weird one, called a canine adnexal nevus (or fiboradnexal hamartoma). Not scary, just strange.

Canine Adnexal Nevus (fiboradnexal hamartoma)

I’ve only had a little time to dig around and try to figure out more about this thing Lilly somehow grew. Based on what our veterinarian told me and what I’ve found online, here are some basics (hover over bullets to see relevant links):

• It’s more of a lesion than a tumor … though, Lilly’s was not open on the surface, but enclosed beneath normal-looking skin.
• Some lesions are congenital and others occur following trauma to the area. I asked our vet if it’s a possible outcome from her first rattlesnake bite to that side of her face, but she doesn’t think so. Perhaps something more mundane like poking herself on a branch, while racing through the trees by the creek.
• Nevi: An hamartoma is a malformation with tumoral aspect, formed by components which are normal parts of the organ in which it develops but which are arranged erroneously (CIVATTE). A nevus is a cutaneous hamartoma which may arise from any skin component. Nevi are rare, congenital or not and the mechanism of their formation is unknown.
• Treatment is surgical removal, when feasible.

Canine Adnexal Nevus Surgical Recovery

Lilly is doing really well. She completed her round of pain meds and antibiotics, and most days she does not need to wear her post-op pashmina to prevent scratching … so the incision must not be bothering her too much.

Ever the busy girl, desperate to be OUTSIDE in the amazing fall weather we’re having, Lilly is a bit crabby that she cannot return to normal life for another week:

• No long walks or hikes
• No playing fetch
• No rough-housing with Ginko

However, Lilly is being an excellent, not too fussy patient. We go back next Wednesday to get her staples out.