Dogs’ Skin Lumps and Bumps: What You Need to Know
You’re curled up on the couch with your canine companion when you experience a bump. You make an effort to recall the last time you rubbed this very small region. And before you realize it, questions are rushing through your head. This lump—is it new? It is what?
This quickly brings up your first worry: Could it be cancer? Without the knowledge of a vet or the findings of tests, it’s simple for our thoughts to wander and assume the worst.
But the majority of lumps are fatty tumors. These are not malignant and are benign. Less than 50% of lumps and bumps on dogs are cancerous or malignant. It’s difficult to discern because they can all appear the same from the outside.
Until you are certain of the cause of a lump or bump, bring your dog in for an exam. If you see fast growth, redness, swelling, pus, an opening, or if the dog is in pain, make that appointment even sooner.
The same goes for lumps that are in certain areas, like the face or paws, where surgery — if needed — is more complicated, the bigger the growth.
Your vet will want to know:
- If the lump appeared suddenly
- Whether its shape, color, or size has changed
- Whether your dog’s behavior, such as their appetite or energy level, is different.
Often, the vet will remove some cells from the lump with a fine needle. They’ll then look at them under the microscope. Sometimes they can tell right away if it’s a fatty tumor.
Your veterinarian will remove a small tissue sample from the lump and send it for a biopsy if it’s too difficult to determine what it is. You’ll learn in a few days whether it’s malignant. If so, the lump can typically be removed after surgery.
If the cancer has already spread to other body parts, then is a major cause for concern. If so, your pet might require chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or both.
Various Lumps and Bump TypesThe following lumps and bumps are more typical in dogs:
Thick tumors occur more frequently in middle-aged or older dogs, particularly in the ribcage, though they can appear everywhere. They are seen as a normal aspect of aging. They can occur in dogs of any breed, although larger dogs and those who are overweight are more likely to develop them.
- A sebaceous cyst is a blocked oil gland that looks like a pimple. When it bursts, a white, pasty substance comes out.
- Warts are caused by a virus and can be found around the mouths of young dogs. They’ll go away by themselves. Older dogs might need surgery to remove them.
- An abscess is a buildup of pus under the skin. It can be caused by an infection or a bite from an insect or other creature.
- A mast cell tumor is the most common skin cancer in dogs. They’re most often found in boxers, Boston terriers, Labradors, beagles, and schnauzers.
- Even if you learn that a lump in your dog isn’t cancerous, you should still be on the lookout for further ones and have any new ones examined.
In order to make it simpler to keep track of what is new and what has altered, your veterinarian may create a chart showing the locations and sizes of your friend’s bumps and lumps if they are several.
You can carry out this task on your own. During grooming, it’s simple to check your dog’s physique. The more familiar you are with their body, the more quickly you’ll recognize any irregularities. What’s not to love about extra TLC, which comes with more petting?
