Most common lumps in dogs

There are several types of lumps that are commonly seen in dogs.

1. Fatty lump (lipoma)

A lipoma is a benign fatty lump made up of fat tissue. It is one of the most common lumps in dogs.

What are the characteristics of a fatty lump?

• A fatty lump is soft and often easily movable under the skin.
• A fatty lump is usually not painful.
• A fatty lump grows slowly.

They are mainly seen in middle-aged and older dogs and more often in overweight dogs.

What is the treatment for a fatty lump?

In most cases, no treatment is needed unless the lump grows quickly or is located in an area where it causes discomfort, such as the armpit or groin. Surgical removal is the only treatment option. Unfortunately, this does not guarantee that a new fatty lump will not develop in the same place or elsewhere on the body. Always keep in mind: the smaller the lump, the smaller the procedure.

2. Sebaceous cyst (blocked or inflamed sebaceous gland)

A sebaceous cyst develops due to a blocked sebaceous gland and is also known as an epidermal cyst.

What are the characteristics of a sebaceous cyst?

• A sebaceous cyst is a round, often firm lump.
• A sebaceous cyst may burst and release a white or yellowish, greasy substance.
• A sebaceous cyst can become red and painful if it becomes inflamed.

Sebaceous cysts can occur in dogs of all ages.

What is the treatment for a sebaceous cyst?

As long as the lump is not inflamed, treatment is often not necessary. If inflammation occurs, cleaning, local treatment or sometimes antibiotics may be required. If the lump keeps returning, surgical removal can be considered.

3. Wart (papilloma)

Warts in dogs are usually caused by a virus (papillomavirus) and are generally benign.

What are the characteristics of a wart?

• A wart is a small, cauliflower-like growth.
• Warts are often found on the lips, mouth, head or paws.
• Warts are usually not painful.

Warts are mainly seen in young dogs and in dogs with a reduced immune system.

What is the treatment for a wart?

In many cases, warts disappear on their own within a few months. Treatment is only necessary if the wart becomes irritated, inflamed or causes problems with eating or walking. Surgical removal is then the best option. Sometimes attempts are made to dab warts with colloidal silver.

4. Mast cell tumour

A mast cell tumour is a malignant tumour that develops from mast cells. It is one of the most common skin tumours in dogs.

What are the characteristics of a mast cell tumour?

• A mast cell tumour can look very different (soft, firm, red or swollen).
• A mast cell tumour can change size rapidly.
• A mast cell tumour may cause itching, redness or swelling due to the release of histamine.

Mast cell tumours are most common in middle-aged to older dogs and occur more frequently in certain breeds, such as the Boxer, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Boston Terrier, Bulldog, Pug, Bernese Mountain Dog, Weimaraner, Bullmastiff and Staffordshire Terrier.

What is the treatment for a mast cell tumour?

If a mast cell tumour is suspected, further examination is always required. Surgical removal is usually chosen, sometimes followed by additional treatment such as medication or chemotherapy. Early detection is very important for the prognosis.

5. Histiocytoma

A histiocytoma is a benign skin tumour that develops from immune cells.

What are the characteristics of a histiocytoma?

• A histiocytoma is a rapidly growing, round lump.
• A histiocytoma is often red and hairless.
• A histiocytoma may look dramatic but is usually harmless.

Histiocytomas are mainly seen in young dogs, usually under the age of 3.

What is the treatment for a histiocytoma?

In many cases, the lump disappears on its own within a few weeks to months. Removal is only necessary if the lump persists, becomes damaged or causes significant irritation.

6. Age-related warts (benign connective tissue or glandular growths)

Age-related warts are benign skin growths that develop from connective tissue or glandular tissue. They are also known as fibromas or benign glandular tumours and are common in older dogs.

What are the characteristics of age-related warts?

• Age-related warts are small to medium-sized skin protrusions.
• They often have a stalk or a cauliflower-like surface.
• They are usually skin-coloured to lightly pigmented.
• They grow slowly and are usually not painful.

These warts are mainly seen in older dogs and can occur in various places, such as the head, armpits, groin and trunk.

What is the treatment for age-related warts?

Treatment is usually not necessary as long as the wart does not cause discomfort. Removal may be considered if the wart:

• is frequently damaged
• starts bleeding or becomes inflamed
• is located in an awkward position

With age-related warts as well, always have them checked if you are unsure, as some malignant tumours can look harmless in the early stages.

When should you visit the vet?

It is wise to have a lump checked when:

• the lump grows quickly
• the lump changes shape or colour
• your dog licks, bites at it or seems to be in pain
• the lump appears suddenly without a clear cause
• you are unsure what it is

A lump on your dog can be harmless, but this cannot be determined with certainty from the outside. Because lumps can occur at any age and there are many different types, timely examination by a vet is important. With cytological examination, it is usually possible to quickly determine what kind of lump it is and which treatment, if any, is most suitable for your dog.

Do you have any questions about lumps on your dog? Please contact us via veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk.