good news

Just got back from taking Dread Beastie to the vet. The lumps on his face & head are NOT cancer. They're a localized collection of white cells (granulocytic something something) that can be caused by his immune system going a bit wonky. Not dangerous, and can be reduced by steroids. The steroids will also help with his ever-present wheezing and congestion, but could also leave him susceptible to a bronchial infection, so he gets an antibiotic in addition to the steroids. He's soooo not going to be thrilled with me forcing various pills down him every day, but oh well. Since the steroids will reduce the various swellings, that means his nose will stop bothering him and maybe, just maybe, he'll stop scratching it open.

The vet said he seems in very good health. She also said she was glad that she hadn't seen us in a year and a half, because that meant Beastie was doing well.

Thanks for the kind thoughts, peeps. They meant a lot.