Lumps in Dogs and Cats: What to do if you find one
Finding a lump (aka mass) on your dog or cat can be alarming, but it’s not uncommon. While many lumps are harmless, others may require prompt medical attention. The key is not to panic, but not to ignore it either.
In this article, we’ll explain the importance of checking your pet regularly for lumps, what to do if you find one, what your veterinarian may recommend next, and what influences the best treatment plan for your pet.
Why you should check your pet for lumps
Routine wellness checks at home are one of the simplest and most effective ways to catch health problems early. Most lumps start small and are painless so it is common for them to go unnoticed until they becomes large or bothersome to the pet.
Lumps in pets include:
Fatty lumps (lipomas)
Cysts
Skin tags or warts
Abscesses or infections
Tumours, both cancerous (malignant) and non-cancerous (benign)
By checking regularly and intentionally, you’re in the best position to spot changes early. If a lump is missed, it may continue to grow, become painful or infected, or in the case of cancer, even spread to other parts of the body. Early detection and intervention significantly improve outcomes.
How to check your dog or cat for lumps
Checking for lumps should become part of your routine. Dedicate a few minutes of your pet’s cuddle time to intentionally checking for lumps. They won’t even know the difference.
Use your fingertips to gently press and feel under the hair all over the body. Pay attention to any areas of swelling or hardness.
Here's a simple checklist:
Start at the head and move down the body, along the neck, shoulders, back, chest, and abdomen.
Feel the legs, armpits, groin, and tail.
Check inside the mouth and ears, around the eyes, under the tail and around the genitals.
What to do if you find a lump on your pet
Finding a lump doesn’t necessarily mean bad news, but it does mean it’s time to take action.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Record the date and exact location of the lump
Write down where exactly on the body the lump is located. Our downloadable body maps are perfect for this.
Recording is especially helpful if your pet has a thick coat or multiple lumps. You would be surprised how many owners come into a lump check appointment and have forgotten where the lump is.
2. Measure the lump and take a photo
Use a ruler to measure the size of the lump (think width, length and height) and record the measurement. Take a photo of the lump as a reference to track any visual changes over time.
3. Check for other lumps
If you’ve found one lump, do a full-body check. Pets frequently have more than one lump at a time.
4. Book a veterinary appointment
Even if the lump seems small or doesn’t bother your pet, it should be evaluated by a vet to determine the next steps. Being proactive can make all the difference.
Key warning signs that a lump might be more serious
While every new lump should be examined by a vet, pay particular attention to those that:
Grow rapidly
Bleed, ulcerate, or ooze
Feel fixed to deeper tissues
Cause pain or itching
Recur after removal
Are accompanied by changes in appetite, energy, or weight
These signs raise the level of concern and should prompt you to book a veterinary appointment more urgently.
What will your vet do? Common diagnostic steps
Your veterinarian will assess the lump’s characteristics, including size, firmness, mobility, and location. However, visual inspection alone isn’t enough to diagnose the nature of a mass.
The first-line diagnostic test is usually:
Fine needle aspiration (FNA) and Cytology. A small needle is used to extract cells from the lump (FNA), which are examined under a microscope (cytology). This test is quick, minimally invasive, and doesn’t usually require sedation. Your veterinarian will likely be able to perform an FNA during the appointment time and you can expect a result right away or within a few days. Occasionally, this test is inconclusive.
Depending on the results of cytology, your vet may recommend:
Biopsy. A tissue sample is removed under sedation or general anaesthesia. This is more accurate than cytology and can identify specific tumour types and whether they are cancerous or not.
Surgical removal and histopathology. If the lump is problematic, fast-growing, or located in a high-risk area, your vet may suggest removal and lab testing of the entire mass.
Imaging. For internal or deep tissue lumps, X-rays, ultrasound or CT may be required to assess the extent or spread.
These diagnostics help determine if the lump is noncancerous or cancerous, and whether treatment is needed or if simply monitoring is enough.
Making the best decision for your pet’s treatment plan
Every pet, and every lump, is unique. The decision to treat or remove a lump isn’t based solely on whether it is cancerous; it also depends on factors such as your pet’s age, overall health, the type of lump, and how it may impact their comfort or daily life. For example, even a benign lump can interfere with walking if it’s in the armpit, or cause irritation if it sits where your pet lies down. Some lumps can become ulcerated, infected, or grow large enough to be difficult to manage at home. In these cases, your vet may recommend surgical removal or other treatment, not because the lump is dangerous in itself, but because it affects your pet’s quality of life.
Your veterinarian will talk through these considerations with you, including what the lump means for your pet’s long-term wellbeing and quality of life. Don’t be afraid to ask your veterinarian questions. Understanding the reasoning behind different options will help you feel confident that the plan you choose is the best one for your pet.
Wellness Tip: know what is normal
A rule we stand by: "If in doubt, check it out”
Just like you know your pet’s quirks and routines, knowing what’s normal for their body is part of being a proactive owner. Regular lump checks only take a few minutes, but they can make a big difference to your pet’s health. If you find a lump, be proactive and have it checked. Your quick action could truly save your pet’s life.