I have found a lump on my dog

It can be a real worry to find a lump on your dog, but try not to jump to any conclusions. There are many reasons why there may be a swelling or a lump on your dog, and most commonly, it will be benign rather than malignant.

Some of the most common causes of lumps and swellings that may appear on your dog are as follows:

Cysts – these will often be found under sweat glands on the skin, or between the toes
Insect bites or stings – as with humans, these can cause a swelling
Ticks – can sometimes look like a mole or a skin tag
Lipomas – these can appear anywhere on a dog’s body and are a harmless fatty lump
Warts – sometimes a wart will disappear by itself, however, if it doesn’t, it may need to be treated by the vet
Mast cell tumours - commonly found on Boxers will appear as a lump and may be malignant, so need removing immediately.
Testicular tumours – found on uncastrated males, these need swift investigation as they may or may not be malignant
Mammary tumours – these will be seen as lumps in the nipple area

How to check your dog for lumps

It’s wise to check your dog for lumps regularly, and if your dog has a thick coat, you may find it easier to check by feeling rather than by sight. Just stroking or brushing your dog is enough to get to know what is normal, and what is new. If you do find any lump or swelling, it can be a good idea to take a photo so you can easily track any growth or changes.

What to do if you find a lump

Any lump that is causing your dog a problem, such as pain, reduced mobility, or discomfort in any way, should be promptly examined by your vet. As it can be difficult to tell exactly what kind of lump it is just by sight, your vet may want to carry out a fine needle aspirate (FNA). This enables them to take a look at the cells under a microscope. Your vet may also suggest taking a biopsy under general anaesthetic.

Once the cause of lump has been diagnosed, your vet will be able to advise you on any necessary treatment or care for your dog.