Finding a large, unsightly lump on your dog can be alarming. You might even start to wonder, “Could this be cancer?” “Is it a serious illness?” or “Was it caused by an insect bite?”
These concerns are understandable, but instead of letting your imagination run wild, it’s better to learn how to identify the cause. In today’s article, we’ll discuss unexplained lumps on dogs.
Before we begin, let me offer some reassurance: most lumps are lipomas, and they are typically benign. Lipomas are easy to manage, so there’s no need to panic.
Here are some common causes of lumps:
- Lipomas
- Sebaceous cysts
- Hematomas
- Follicular infections, among others
Many lumps may appear and disappear quickly. However, before feeling relieved, answer the following seven questions to determine whether a visit to the vet is necessary:
- Did the lump appear suddenly?
- Is the lump growing slowly?
- Is the surface of the lump intact?
- Does the surface feel uneven?
- Has the lump shifted or moved recently?
- Are there other lumps around it?
- Has the dog experienced a loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or other changes in behavior since the lump appeared?
If you answered “yes” to more than four of these questions, it’s recommended to take your dog to the vet immediately. If fewer than four apply, you can monitor the lump at home for a while.
As previously mentioned, most lumps don’t require much concern. But are there lumps that you should worry about? Yes. In addition to the seven questions, lumps that need immediate attention often have the following characteristics:
- Rapid growth
- Gradually increasing in size or changing shape
- Very soft to the touch
- Hair loss around the lump
- Unusual color, different from the surrounding skin
Now, you might be wondering: is it difficult to treat a lump?
The cost of treating benign lumps is generally not high. However, it’s important to note that no veterinarian can determine the cause of a lump just by touching or examining it externally. A responsible vet will recommend a fine-needle aspiration to extract fluid from the lump for testing. Blood tests, X-rays, and other diagnostics may also be needed.
This isn’t about overcomplicating the process—it’s a fact. Lumps can have many causes, and if you want to know exactly what’s behind your dog’s lump, comprehensive testing is essential.
