I’ve found a lump on my dog, what should I do next?Most dogs develop a lump or two during their lifetime. There can be lots of different reasons for this. It is always worrying to find a lump on your pet. Lumps can be something simple, however, some are caused by serious diseases. Simple lumps should resolve within about 5 days, as long as your dog is not licking or scratching the area.This article was written by a FirstVet vetDid you know that FirstVet offers video calls with experienced, UK registered vets? You can get a consultation within 30 minutes by downloading the FirstVet app for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play.✓ Included free as part of many pet insurance policies✓ Help, treatment and if you need it, a referral to your local vet✓ Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year Rating: 4.9 - more than 1600 reviewsRating: 4.9 - more than 1300 reviewsRating: 4.9 - more than 1600 reviews BOOK Common causes of lumps in dogsSkin tagSkin reaction to an insect biteLipoma (fatty lump)Sebaceous cystAbscessHivesHistiocytomaWart (Papilloma)Hygroma (a soft swelling filled with fluid usually over a joint)HaematomaMast Cell TumourMelanomaSoft Tissue SarcomaSquamous Cell CarcinomaPerianal Adenoma (these occur around the rectum, usually in unneutered males)What can you do to help your dog?If you notice a lump on your dog, do not let them lick it. If needed, use an inflatable comfy collar, or one of the traditional plastic Elizabethan (lampshade) collars. These can be bought online, from pet shops, and from your vets. Alternatively, try using a pet t-shirt or bodysuit, pair of shorts, or a tube sock, to protect the skin from self trauma.Diagnosis of lumpsThe only way to accurately diagnose a lump is with microscopic examination of tissue. If the lump is not resolving on its own, your vet might recommend taking a tissue sample for diagnosis. The most common methods include needle aspiration (using a small needle and syringe in the consult room), a small punch biopsy (under sedation or anaesthetic), and full excision biopsy (under a general anaesthetic), and sending a sample to the lab for analysis. When is it time to visit your vet?If you notice any of the following signs, your dog should be seen by a vet:A lump that is irritating your dogA lump that looks ulcerated, red or soreA lump that has not resolved within 7 to 10 days, or that has grown bigger during that timeIf your dog has other clinical signs. For example, inappetence, lethargy, or a change in toileting habits.Still worried?Book a video appointment to have a chat with one of our vets.
