hi all I'm new here

[Bella]

Hi everyone! I wanted to introduce myself and Bella to the board. I rescued Bella from the shelter about three weeks ago. We think she is about 2 and she is such a light in my life.

As with many resuces, weve had our fair share of challenges from ear infections to potty training but I have been reading this message board religiously as it has been most helpful in reading other peoples advice and experiences.

As soon as I figure how to, I will post a picture of Miss Bella. :D

[franp]

Is this my Bella girl that lives around the block???Hi Hilary..

fran

[Carolyn]

Hi and welcome! Rescue dogs can sometimes be the best because rescue people are the best! Looking forward to pictures of your Bella! Carolyn...who loves them all.

[evangelie]

Hi, I can't wait to see some photos of Bella. She sounds like a sweety. I agree with Carolyn about rescues and rescue people. ;)

[Olivier]

Welcome to the board, Bella!
I too have a rescue French bulldog. He had a lot of allergy troubles etc when I got him at the beginning but they were all fixed :)

Olly

[Bella]

thanks everyone for warm warm welcomes. (and yes, Fran, this is our very own sweet Bella :) ).

Today I am taking Bella to the vet b/c Bella's scar from being inflamed has become swollen, red and there feels like theres a hard pea size lump (well a little larger than a pea).

Here's some background on it: Bella was spade at the beginning of April (this was a few days before I adopted her). I picked her up at the vet where she was at and it seemed to be healing nicely. Then last week, one of the stitches (they are the inside ones) popped out and i took her into my vet (differnet vet) and had it removed. About two days ago, I noticed it was a little red and then yesterday afternoon it had gotten a bit more swollen and was very warm to the touch. She is normally very spunky but she slept all afternoon. it doesnt seem to hurt her when I touch it but, then again, i dont know if she has a high pain tolerance, etc. etc. (as Fran well knows, Im a BIG worry wart when it comes to Bella). I dont think its from licking as frenchies cant really lick back there and i have made sure that I have I have kept the area clean (using non-scented baby wipes). I worried sick :confused: and I was hoping anyone has any thoughts, experiences or advice to get me through the next hour before we head to the vet.

Thanks again everyone!

Hilary and Bella

[Martina]

Just from what you've mentioned and having had several surgeries myself (so not canine related ;)), it's probably a minor, site related infection. Warm to the touch and it being a bump in the previous stitch location makes me think that. If it were me, I wouldn't freak out yet (or at least not very much). It seems contained in the body, and there's a logical explanation for what it might be. But you said you're going to the vet, so they should give you the big scoop. And don't worry about being a worry wart - most of us race off to the vet if the dogs look at us funny!

[gilazno]

hi and welcome! anxiously awaiting photos of Bella :D as for the scar/lump I would call your vet just to be sure. Usually they can give some information on the phone w/out you having to bring the dog in...