My dog has a changing, discolored lump on his neck. What is it?

This mass is quite large. I would definitely have your vet do an aspirated and cytology of it while it is there. The fact that it is changing in size makes me concerned that it could be a salivary mucoceole, an infection, or even a mast cell tumor (cancerous but least likely). These can all be serious and some may need medication and or surgery. If it is a salivary mucoceole they may just recommend to continue to watch it since it is getting small sometimes, but I would rather know for sure what it is. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing for sure without an examination though this represents a reason to seek veterinary care. This is usually determined with an examination and a fine needle aspirate (FNA) or a biopsy. Treatment depends on the findings up to that point. I recommend you have Gunnar evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!

Thank you for your question, and including a picture-this is very helpful. This little lump is likely something benign like a skin tag or similar, but I always recommend that if an owner notices changes in color, size or shape of a lump, especially if it is growing quickly, that it be evaluated by your veterinarian. If you are very concerned it would not be wrong to request that the lump be removed, then it can be submitted for review by a pathologist to let you know exactly what it is. You could always arrange to have Mieya's teeth cleaned at the same time, small breed dogs are prone to dental disease and this is a good age to start preventative dental care!

I would definitely have Dexter seen by a vet tomorrow and not wait until May. This lump could be a cyst, an abscess, a benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump to get a sample of it's cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. The vet can examine and diagnose the lump, and then can discuss treatment options with you.

I see what you mean about the red lump on Charlie's neck. It could be a cyst, a benign growth, or potentially a malignant growth if he's an older dog. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump to get a sample of its cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. Once the cause of the lump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options if needed. Give his vet a call in the morning to make him an appointment. Best of luck.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This does not mean that he is getting cancer necessarily. It could be a change in pigmentation. The lump may be a benign or malignant growth. This could even be an infection. This cannot be completely assessed just by looking at pictures or a description and usually requires sampling such as fine needle aspiration to determine its origin. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

It doesn't look like a MCT, but they can take on different appearances. It maybe a benign growth or skin tag. The only way to find out would be to have Buddy examined by your veterinarian. A fine needle aspirate can be done in the clinic to collect samples for pathology. This may provide a diagnosis. In the meantime, monitor it for rapid change or growth. Consider having it removed if it causes pain, impedes motion or changes rapidly.