What are the lumps appearing on your older dog
Early diagnosis could help your older dog live a more comfortable and longer life.
Lumps and bumps are common in dogs. And, as your dog ages, the chances of getting lumps increases.
Most lumps and bumps are nothing to worry about, but some need further investigation or treatment.
What the lump on your older dog could be
There are many different types of lump that could be found on your dog, including:
Lipomas: Lipomas are soft fatty lumps, found under the skin. More typically found in older dogs, these lumps are harmless, only becoming an issue if they grow and restrict movement.
Cysts: These are round, fluid-filled lumps that develop under the skin. Most are harmless and require no treatment.
Warts: More common in older dogs, warts are knobbly white or pink growths with scaly textures. Warts typically stay small and don’t grow or change.
Tumours: Many different types of tumour can affect dogs so there is no typical appearance. Any lumps that are growing quickly, or changing shape or colour, should have further investigations to check if they are cancerous.
Abscesses: These are painful lumps that appear very quickly, due to infection. Abscesses feel warm to the touch.
If you’re concerned about a new lump on your dog, book an appointment with your vet to get it checked out.
Diagnosing lumps on your older dog
If you see a lump on your dog, then getting it investigated is always a good idea. Even if your dog has had lumps before, it’s still better to be safe, as new lumps may be something different.
Many lumps can be diagnosed by taking a small sample of cells out with a needle, called a fine needle aspirate (FNA). This is quick and can be done in an appointment.
Monitoring your dog is essential, particularly as they age. We recommend giving your dog a once over once a week to check for new lumps. Starting at the head, run your hands down the body, including legs, bottom and genitals. Always be gentle, particularly around sensitive areas like their face and tummies. Oh, and give them a treat when you’re done!
If you do find a lump, it is worth monitoring it over time. Taking pictures of it next to a 2p coin can be useful to see if it has grown. You can also make notes such as if it is painful and any colour or texture changes. Inform your vet of any changes.
Doing weekly checks on your older dog for new lumps is a vital part of caring for a senior pet. While most lumps are nothing to worry about, catching those that are an issue early on helps treatment chances to be more successful. Similarly, monitoring existing lumps helps you see any changes and see your vet quickly if you are concerned.
Remember, if you are concerned about a new lump, or a change in a pre-existing one, then find a local vet and book a consultation.
Most cysts require no treatment. If your dog has a cyst that has been diagnosed by your vet, then your dog can continue as normal. However, if the cyst becomes inflamed or painful, your vet may recommend removal.
If your dog has a cyst, do not squeeze or puncture it. Doing this makes it more likely to become infected.