Thanks to all for their kind words and information.
Stitches out successfully; allowed off lead walks now, well, ambles really!
Lump was a benign tumour and vet thinks they have removed all the tissue. Must admit I'm very relieved that we can get back to normal, even if at a slower pace than was usual...
I'll try to add some pics that I took today.
T shirt instead of a bucket was really useful to stop licking and infection.
Stitches gone!
