What this means
Lumps in dogs vary: some are hard, others soft and movable, some firmly attached to the tissue beneath, others free, some painful or hot and others not felt at all. Some lumps are not dangerous, but how a lump looks or feels cannot show what it is. Only tests at a vet's can establish that.
So the most useful thing is to describe and watch the lump. Note where it is, how big it is (you can lay a coin beside it and photograph it), what shape it has, when you noticed it and whether it is growing or changing. Photograph it every week, because photos make comparison easy.
Do not squeeze, prick or try to drain a lump. That can cause inflammation or infection and make the examination harder. Also feel other areas, especially under the jaw, in front of the shoulders and behind the knees, for any enlarged lymph nodes.
Possible causes
These are things that can cause this sign. It is not a diagnosis, and they are not equally likely for your dog.
-
Harmless skin or fatty growths
Some lumps are benign, for example growths of fat cells or oil glands. But only tests confirm that, not the feel of the lump.
-
A tumour
Some lumps are malignant or inclined to keep growing. They can enlarge quickly, change shape, bleed or ulcerate.
-
A tumour of blood vessels
Certain tumours may stay hidden and then show suddenly, for example as weakness, pale gums or a swollen belly.
About the condition: Hemangiosarcoma -
Enlarged lymph nodes
Lumps under the jaw, in front of the shoulders or behind the knees may be enlarged lymph nodes. They can be caused by infection or other reasons, and sometimes by a tumour of the lymph tissue.
-
An abscess or inflammation
After a bite or scratch a hot, painful, pus-filled lump can form. It often bursts and needs examining.
-
A cyst or blocked oil gland
A blocked gland can form a soft or firm lump that sometimes bursts and releases pale or dark material.
What else to watch for
These observations help your vet build the picture faster. Note down what you saw and when.
- Where the lump is and how big it is
- Whether it is hard or soft, movable or fixed
- Whether it is growing, or changing shape or colour
- Whether it is hot, painful, bleeding or oozing
- Whether there are more lumps, or enlarged lymph nodes
- Whether your dog eats, drinks and acts as usual
- Whether your dog licks or chews at the lump
When to book a routine visit
Show a vet every new lump, even if your dog feels well, especially if it grows, changes, bleeds or there are more of them. Do not squeeze or prick a lump yourself.
Related conditions
Conditions whose entries mention this sign. The list is somewhere to read on, not a way to reach a diagnosis.
- Cancer Cancer Cancer is not one disease but a whole group of different malignant tumours that can appear in almost any organ or tissue. They can grow slowly or quickly and spread to other parts of the body, so the earlier a change is noticed, the more options a vet has. Only a vet can tell whether a lump or other change is malignant.
- Hemangiosarcoma Cancer Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumour that arises from the cells lining blood vessels and can develop in the spleen, heart, liver or skin. Because the tumour is made of fragile blood-filled vessels, it can grow unnoticed for a long time and then rupture, causing internal bleeding. It is mainly a disease of older dogs.
- Lymphoma (lymphosarcoma) Cancer Lymphoma is a malignant tumour that arises from lymphocytes, the white blood cells that form part of the immune system. It affects the lymph nodes, but it can also involve the spleen, liver, intestines, skin or other organs. Because lymphocytes travel throughout the body, the disease can affect the whole system, so any changes you notice should be shown to a vet promptly.
- Skin problems Skin and coat This is an umbrella term for a range of skin disorders, from allergies and parasites to infections, hormonal diseases or growths in the skin. The skin also reflects a dog's overall health, so changes in it sometimes point to a problem elsewhere in the body, and constant itching or soreness takes a real toll on a dog's comfort. What lies behind particular changes is for a vet to work out.
- Anal gland problems Digestion and liver The anal glands are two small sacs either side of the anus that hold a strong-smelling secretion. When they don't empty, become blocked or get inflamed, the dog feels itchy and sore, and an abscess can form in a gland. Whether the glands or something else are behind a dog's scooting is for a vet to work out.
Body systems: Cancer Skin and coat Digestion and liver