This may be a stupid question but I have searched the net to no avail. My basset Tsavo is my first male dog and I was wondering if the two lumps on either side of his were normal? I'm not some sicko I just pay close attention to my dogs. They are about the size of walnuts. I'm only asking because my previous basset had so many health problems and we have already had some with Tsavo and I want to make sure if it is normal if I need to rack up yet another vet bill. I tend to be a very protective mommy and take him for every little thing, my boyfriend says anyway. Also we have an 8 mth old Golden who has very bad dandruff and an extremely bad gas problem. They are fed Science Diet Lamb and Rice. I was wondering if the yogurt would work for her gas and if so could I give her the yogurt and flax oil? I also read somewhere to give her Metamucil for her gas but seriously questioned it. Anyone ever heard of that? Any input would be greatly helpful as I am VERY allergic to her. Within minutes of coming home I suffer a reaction and within minutes of leaving I am clear. I vacuum at least 3 or 4 times a day. And the gas is going to drive one of to be sleeping outside. Thank you and sorry so long.

The lumps you are referring to are perfectly normal for a male dog. They will appear and disappear according to his "mood". Even neutered males will display these "lumps"

Here is a good reference manual for veterinary issues. The Merck Veterinary Manual
There is a very good section on reproduction in there.

As far as the dandruff and gas, you probably should consider changing foods. Usually with these problems, it's an intolerence or sensitivity to something in the food. I am not a big fan of adding MORE fiber to and already gassy dog. This can sometimes just make the problem worse. Dandruff can be caused by a lack of OFA's (omega fatty acids) or poor utilization of nutrients. I would recommend you add a digestive enzyme to your dogs food AND change to a less "grainy" food. Science Diet is probably (IMHO) not the best food, however many vets do recommend it. I prefer foods that have more animal protein, good ratio of OFA's, added probiotics and enzymes, and no artificial preservatives, colors, or additive's.
The addition of the digestive enzymes and probitics should help with the gas, but the OFA's will help with the skin issues.

Good luck!

Change food. I will admit that it's very hard to find a good dog food, because no matter what brand you pick someone is going to tell you it's bad for your dog, but almost everyone agrees that Iams, Eukanuba, Pedigree, Science Diet, Purina and Ol' Roy are among the worst possible. Science Diet is a complete rip off because they charge a fortune for food that's really not much better than the store brand.
Some people say that Bil Jac and Nutro are trash too, but I personally don't have a problem with those two. Innova is good. Our dog had terrible gas. The worst ever back when we still gave him Purina. Once we switched him the problem went away.

Thank you for your advice. The only reason they are on Science Diet is because my previous Basset (God rest her soul) had a lot of health problems and that is what the vet put her on only it was presciption only. I figured that wuld be a good food then but I will try switching their food. I know she won't eat Nutro because that is what my mom feeds her dogs and she just turns her nose at it. I will find something. I won't use any Purina food because it cause Urinary crystals in Tsavo from his breeder feeding the litter Purina dog food. That was not cheap to cure so we won't go that route. I really do appreciate though. What do you think of Pro Plan? Is that basically the same as Science Diet? The cost of the food is not a problem as no matter what I feed feeding 3 big dogs is gonna cost if you want them healthy.