My 9-year-old Boston Terrier has a chest growth. What should I do?

This growth on Max could be a benign tumor or a malignant tumor. Unfortunately in a senior dog, there is always a chance any lump could be malignant. 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. I would give his vet a call to make him an appointment. Best of luck.

Hi Rob! With a dog Captain Rob's age, there is always a concern that any lump could be malignant. Given that this lump is more firm and stuck to his chest wall, that makes it even more concerning. This is something that should be checked out by a 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 (no anesthesia required) 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. I'd have him seen by a vet next week. I hope this helps!

Since it has changed size in such a short time, I recommend getting it checked by your vet. She's very young to be developing growths or tumors but it isn't unheard of at her age. Your vet will do an exam, some lab work, probably using a needle to sample some cells from inside the lump to try to identify the kinds of cells inside and therefore what is causing the lump. Based on these results, your vet will be better able to tell you what is going on and how best to proceed from there, if it is benign or needs further investigation.

This could be either a benign or malignant growth. Based on Kane's age, it is more likely a benign growth. I recommend that you have Kane evaluated by your veterinarian to have a fine needle aspiration of the mass to find out what it is. This is a very easy, quick and pain-free procedure that takes little time and could provide a diagnosis to help determine the best course of action. Best of luck with Kane!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!

This lump needs to be checked and analysed as there are many conditions and types of tumors that could look like that. take her to the vet, they will perform a fine needle aspiration on the growth and send it to the lab for analysis. when the result comes, the vet will advise what needs to be done according to the diagnosis.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Being benign vs. malignant is more based on how it looks under the microscope. It can still be benign even if it is not very movable. This could be a benign or malignant growth. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. 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 night!