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My dog's harness lump is growing and getting worse. Could it be cancer?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Male | unneutered | 15 years and 4 months old

Our Jack Russel Patch 15 (identic pic) 2yrs ago got a 2" size hard lump where his buckle was on bodyharness. asked Vet who monitored it. Patch then opened it scratching, went sceptic, anti-biotics helped ,then Vet punctured it to drain, got much worse. 2nd set anti-biotics, its spread 3x width & 1" lump, his leg bone is digging into lower part which has become a ball. Hair is growing from the exposed skin but puncture really aggravated it. Vet says may operate, doesnt know if its malignant

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on June 29th, 2018

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 him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!
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