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My dog has a lump in his ear and is shaking his head. What is it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 24 lbs

Found this is dogs ear. Head shaking and sensitive ear

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on September 14th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Based on the pictures, it appears that Nikko has a growth or a mass at the entrance of his ear canal. It could be normal tissue that is overgrown due to inflammation, it could be an fluid filled swelling (seroma or abscess) or it could be mass. Masses can be benign or cancerous.

If he is shaking his head and the ear is sensitive he could also have an ear infection. The growth could be contributing to an infection. Most ear infections are due to overgrowth of yeast and/or bacteria. Your Vet can look in his ear and look at a sample of the ear wax under the microscope to diagnose an infection.

Due to the growth and the possible ear infection I think it would be best to have Nikko examined by your Vet.

I hope this helps and I wish you and Nikko the best!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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