Hello everyone
A couple of days ago I found a small (pea sized) lump on Ella's back - about an inch from her spine, under the skin.  It is not attached to anything and nothing is visible although it's very difficult to see anything on a flatcoat.  I have made an appointment to see the vet this evening but does anyone have any idea what this could be.  She had four very fast growing lumps on her back legs earlier this year and one was removed.  This proved to be nothing and the others disappeared as quickly as they had come up - they were very visible though and looked like hard skin.  Is there any way for the lump to be checked without removing it - I don't really want to put Ella through this again as it was totally unneccessary last time and took a long time to heal.  Ella is 18 months old, right at the end of her second season (day 23) and very fit and healthy generally.  The lump isn't bothering her at all.  I know its probably best to wait and see what the vet says but if anyone does have any ideas I'd be grateful. 
Best wishes
Alex

Sounds like a harmless cyst to me, but we do get a bit paranoid with our flatcoats as soon as lumps appear.    I suppose you could ask the vet to do a needle biopsy and send it off .   

The Flatcoated Retriever Society have a scheme for assessing tumours free of charge to members, but they do need to be excised completely in this case.     I can give you the contact number in Cambridge vet school if you need it.

Have found ours come up in odd lumps occasionally when they're due in season - sort of hormonal, I suppose.

Jo and the Casblaidd Flatcoats

Thanks Jo
I'm sure you're right - I do panic and I think we made a mistake last time (on the vets recommendation though) and we should have left well alone.  I did wonder whether it could be to do with her season but it just seemed in a funny place.  I think I'll see what the vet says then discuss it with my brother if I can get hold of him (also a vet) but not rush into anything this time.  I'm sure flatcoats produce lumps with their normal sense of humour just to worry us!
Best wishes
Alex