So my mom's boxer has a skin problem..

Rokate

Pictures will be uploaded tomorrow.
Basically my mother has a boxer, Dharma, and she has always had skin problems/allergies to food. Well she found a good food for the dog, and yet Dharma still has been having red skin breakouts. Now the real problem - About 8? months ago, my family noticed weird bumps under Dharma's skin, at first they'd go away in a week or so and we didn't really pay attention to them. Then one didn't go away, and not only has it NOT gone away it is now about 5 inches around, raised, red, and it looks like raw hamburger meat.
I know she should be going to the vet. I've tried to get my mother to take her, but for assorted reasons she's procrastinating. Now tonight I went over to my parents house (I don't live at home anymore) because I'm dog sitting for them, and her hamburger bump started bleeding. Not a lot, but enough to be unnerving.
I have two main questions:
1. Does anyone perhaps know what type of disease this sounds like? One of the reasons my mom doesn't want to take Dharm in is because she's worried the vet will have to put her down. (Ridiculous and not fair, I've protested, but I simply can't afford to take the dog in on my own)
2. We live in Arizona, USA, Peoria to be precise, and I'm worried if I take Dharma in while my parents are out of town (and thus can't say no) that they will be charged with animal abuse for not taking her in sooner (though, I feel it is animal abuse, but as stated, my pleas have gone unheard). I have enough pennies to rub together to PROBABLY afford the vet visit, but definitely not any sort of legal proceedings that I'm worried could take place.

HALP - I love this dog, she's loving and playful, and doesn't seem to be in pain, but I'm very worried for her health.

fuelish

It is probably an infection. Might be bacterial, might be fungal. It could also be something very serious. Any way the only thing to do is take the dog in and get her checked. If it is an infection then you will spend up to a couple of hundred bucks and get a topical treatment and maybe an oral as well. If it turns out to be something serious then it is time to bring in your mom to decide what to do.

locomotiveman

You could always claim that it's a rez dog that you found in say Tuba City or someplace and thus avoid the charges, but you still may end up with a dog needing to be put down.

Trowizilla

Take her to the vet. Boxers are known for having skin problems, but they're also known for being extremely cancer-prone. From what you've described, the hamburger-meat thing sounds like the tumor my friend's dog ended up with. Fortunately, that sort of tumor is easily removable if it's caught early, and dog I knew lived another 5 years to the grand old age of 15. And if by some chance the dog does have to be put down, isn't it kinder to an animal you love to spare her pain and suffering?

Take the dog in and tell the vet about why she hasn't been in earlier. Most vets do understand about money issues, and he or she may be able to suggest payment options for your parents. Either way, the important thing is that Dharma goes to the vet ASAP.

LadyM

I seriously doubt your mom would be charged with animal cruelty for not taking the dog in. There are a lot of people who have pets, don't have a lot of money, and have to wait to save up enough money to take their pet to the vet. In most states animal cruelty is like . . . not providing a dog with food, water, and shelter. Or beating it or something like that.

Anyway, I don't know what the disease would be, but it sounds serious.

Rokate

Thanks guys!
I'd pretty much figured either bacterial/fungal or cancer. I'll take her in ASAP.

Sarcastro

Dang. Beated on skin cancer. Hope that works out for you.

mts

or it could just be a hot spot.. either way it stil needs vet treatment.