Lumps In Pets
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Lumps are likely to develop at some point in your pet’s life, especially in dogs. Finding a lump under the skin is a concern warranting examination
Gateway Veterinary Centre is a full-service canine and feline hospital in the heart of South Edmonton. Please call or text us below to schedule an appointment
What Are Lumps?
Lumps or masses are likely to develop at some point in your pet’s life, especially in dogs. Finding a lump under the skin is a concerning event and definitely warrants an examination by a veterinarian to determine the type.
How They Develop
Dogs can develop cancerous tumors just like any other animal, although many types of growths are benign and treatable including some types of cancer. Lumps in cats are rare compared to dogs, they are generally more concerning and should be promptly checked out.
Common Types of Lumps in Pets
1. Lipomas (Fatty Tumors)
What they are: Soft, movable, and typically painless, lipomas are benign (non-cancerous) tumors made up of fat cells.
Where they appear: Commonly found under the skin, especially around the chest, abdomen, and legs.
Who’s at risk: Older or overweight dogs are more prone.
Treatment: Usually not required unless the lump affects mobility or grows excessively.
2. Sebaceous Cysts
What they are: Blocked hair follicles or oil glands that form small, raised bumps filled with fluid or semi-solid material.
Where they appear: Anywhere on the body, especially on the head, neck, or trunk.
Treatment: May rupture and heal on their own. Infected or persistent cysts may require draining or surgical removal.
3. Warts (Papillomas)
What they are: Small, cauliflower-like growths caused by the papillomavirus.
Where they appear: Commonly on the lips, gums, eyelids, and between toes.
Who’s at risk: Puppies and dogs with weakened immune systems.
Treatment: Often go away on their own, but multiple or problematic warts might need removal.
4. Abscesses
What they are: Painful, swollen lumps filled with pus caused by infection, often from a bite or puncture wound.
Where they appear: Typically near the site of an injury.
Symptoms: Redness, swelling, warmth, and possible discharge.
Treatment: Requires veterinary care—lancing, draining, antibiotics, and sometimes surgery.
5. Skin Tags
What they are: Soft, dangling pieces of skin that are generally harmless.
Where they appear: Often found in friction areas like armpits, chest, or around the neck.
Treatment: Usually no action needed unless irritated or bleeding.
6. Histiocytomas
What they are: Small, dome-shaped, benign tumors that appear suddenly.
Where they appear: Commonly on the ears, legs, and face.
Who’s at risk: Younger dogs, especially under 3 years old.
Treatment: Often resolve on their own; biopsy may be needed to rule out cancer.
7. Mast Cell Tumors (MCTs)
What they are: Malignant tumors arising from mast cells, which are part of the immune system.
Appearance: Can mimic benign lumps; may swell, itch, or change size.
Who’s at risk: Boxers, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and older dogs.
Treatment: Surgical removal is often required; further treatment may include radiation or chemotherapy.
8. Melanomas
What they are: Can be benign or malignant tumors of pigment-producing cells.
Where they appear: Often in the mouth, lips, or toes.
Appearance: Dark-colored, raised lumps that may ulcerate.
Treatment: Surgery and potentially additional cancer treatment if malignant.
9. Soft Tissue Sarcomas
What they are: A group of malignant tumors that develop in connective tissue.
Appearance: Firm, often non-painful masses under the skin.
Treatment: Wide surgical removal and sometimes radiation therapy.
What To Do?
“What should I do if I find a lump on my pet?” It’s a common question that we are asked all the time. We usually want to know if the lump appeared suddenly, whether its shape, color, or size has changed and the age of your pet.
We usually recommend a fine needle aspiration and cytology — one of the less invasive procedures to evaluate a lump or bump, during which a small needle is used to collect cells. These cells are placed on glass slides and maybe stained for microscopic review. Depending on the type of mass, it may be possible to diagnose it quickly. The rarer types of growths may need to be sent out to a pathologist to determine their nature.
While a fine needle aspirate is usually helpful, in some cases, with particular types of masses or lumps, we may need to take a larger biopsy and excise tissue with a scalpel or punch blade. This is a more invasive procedure than a fine needle aspirate and might require sedation or anesthesia.
Diagnostic of Lumps in Pets
Once a diagnosis is made, we can have a proper treatment plan made for your pet. In cases such as cancer lumps or an abscess, early detection and treatment can improve your pet’s quality of life, and potentially save them from serious and life-threatening consequences.
You can book a consultation anytime for getting your pet’s lumps. Surgical quotes can be provided for any existing lumps and are usually .
Please book a consultation with your Edmonton Vet today! We can evaluate and advise you accordingly.
Gateway vet centre and emergency vet clinic was established with an aim to serve our Edmonton pet community and provide honest, reliable and independent advice that is evidence-based. We are open late and open 7 days a week and 365 days a year. We accept walk-ins normally. (Right now we appreciate if you call us ahead due to COVID restrictions.)
Gateway Veterinary Centre is a full-service canine and feline hospital in the heart of South Edmonton. Our newly-built veterinary clinic is easily accessible by Whitemud Drive, Gateway Boulevard and Calgary Trail. We are located next to LA Fitness and CIBC Bank.