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My young dog has a firm, colorless lump on her hip. What is it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | spayed | 3 years and 9 months old | 10 lbs

My dog (young chi mix) has a gluteal nodule that is firm colorless, about 1/2 inch circumference

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on October 15th, 2017

In a young dog of Leila's age, this nodule is most likely to be a benign tumor or a cyst. There is a small chance it could be malignant, but it's unlikely. 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. I would take her into the vet sometime next week to have this nodule examined and diagnosed so it can be treated as needed. I hope this helps!

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Davis
Veterinarian
Published on April 14th, 2018
This sounds like a solid mass rather than from infection or injury. It can be benign or malignant. With your description it sounds well demarcated which is a good sign. I would take a tape measure and measure it and take a photo also. That way you can monitor it weekly for any changes. If it came up quickly or enlarges then I recommend an exam and aspiration. You are correct a needle aspirate is what I recommend to see what it is. With that small a needle it’s hard to get enough tissue, or if the fluid is too thick it won’t go into the needle. Using a larger needle will remove more cells or fluid, then it can be looked at under the microscope, and sent to the lab for cytology and diagnosis. Many benign growths grow slowly and do. To need to be surgically removed. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Scarlet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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