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My dog has a lump under his chin. Tick bite, tumor, or infection?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cairn Terrier | Male | neutered | 8 years old | 14 lbs

8 yr old Cairn has a pea sized lump under lower mouth area, under the skin, had a small amt of dried blood that came off as a scab. Could this be from a dog tick bite? We do have them around here. Am concerned if this could be a tumor also.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 14th, 2018

What you describe can definitely be a tick bite or a small tumor. Toto should be seen by a vet to determine the cause of the lump you are seeing, as it may also be an infection. If the lump is caused by a tick bite, Toto should be tested for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. A tumor can be removed and sent off as a biopsy or a smaller sample can be taken with a thin needle. I recommend having him seen soon, especially if the area is getting larger or you believe it is causing some discomfort. In the meantime, you can get him an E-collar or "cone" to prevent scratching and further trauma.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 5th, 2017
It is hard to say much about this lump without seeing it. Could you post again with a photo? Regardless, even with a photo we may not be able to tell you what is going on. Lumps don't usually move around so that is strange. So my best recommendation would be to get him to a vet for an exam. I doubt it is an insect bite.

Some possibilities:

1. abscess (even if it is firm) - it may not be filled with pus just yet. The abscess may just be forming.
2. cyst
3. tumor (like a histiocytoma)
4. enlarged lymph node
5. enlarged salivary gland

So, he really needs to see a vet to get this figured out. That way the proper treatment can be instituted.

Hope this helps. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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