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My dog has a firm, painless lump, but acts normal. Should I worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Male | neutered | 2 years and 8 months old | 70 lbs

I found a lump, it doesn't hurt him to have it touched. It's not really soft nor does it move. He is walking, eat, drinking, and behaving normally. He got bit by a dog on the inside of the same leg a year ago but the lump is on the outside. Should I be concerned?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 25th, 2018

This can be a benign lump, or it could be a lipoma or cyst. 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'd give his vet a call tomorrow to make him an appointment. Best of luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Amy Poole, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 4th, 2019
Wow! You are doing a great job taking care of Bear if he is doing well at over 15 years old! With any lump or bump on a dog, it is best to have it checked out by our veterinarian. It could be something as simple as a cyst that needs to be drained, or a small infection that needs topical or oral medication. If it isn't an obvious cause, your vet may recommend a fine needle aspirate to determine what it is. A fine needle aspirate is not overly painful for a dog, as it feels similar to getting a vaccine. It is a way to remove some cells from the bump to try to determine what it is and if it needs to be removed or not. I hope it is nothing to worry about! Best of luck to you and Bear!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on May 18th, 2018
You have a couple of options. The first is to have Lieutenant examined by your veterinarian. A fine needle aspirate can quickly and easily be done in the clinic to collect samples for pathology. This may provide a diagnosis after which the appropriate treatment can be administered. The second option would be to monitor him at home. If the lump grows or changes rapidly or if it causes discomfort or impedes motion, then you would need to have him examined by your veterinarian.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on May 22nd, 2017
Cancer can manifest itself in many forms. It can be slow and non descript or it can be fast spreading and painful. Given Bear's young age, cancer would be low on the list of potential causes, however it can develop in a dog of any age.
Repeat your request for a fine needle aspirate to collect a sample for pathology. If your veterinarian will not do it, seek out a second opinion. In the meantime, monitor for rapid change or growth.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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