My dog has a large head bump and is shaking his ears. What's wrong?

This lump could represent a cyst like structure or a neoplasia (tumor) or a spot of infection. It is essential to have it checked by your local veterinarian as this could be sampled to determine its underlying nature. Your vet may want to perform an FNA (fine needle aspiration) or a biopsy to sample the bump. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

It looks like it could just be a benign tumor like a wart, but without seeing him in person, I can't say for certain. 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. Give Jake's vet a call in the morning to make him an appointment. Best of luck.

Thank you for the picture and clarification. This looks like it could be an aural hematoma, which is when fluid gets trapped between the layers of the ear. This is usually a sign of an ear infection. I'd have this checked out by a vet.

I see what you mean about the red lump on Charlie's neck. It could be a cyst, a benign growth, or potentially a malignant growth if he's an older dog. 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. Give his vet a call in the morning to make him an appointment. Best of luck.

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

Wow, something very strange. It looks like Pimms likely has an ear infection, in addition to whatever that critter/plant material is that has attached itself to her ear. She needs to get to a vet ASAP. This is certainly not life threatening, but I would still consider going to an emergency clinic for promote evaluation, cleaning, and treatment because she's probably quite uncomfortable. Good luck!

Thank you for providing pictures of Ela's bump. There are a couple of things this could be; for example, it could be from trauma if she's scratching her ear a lot. That could be a sign of an ear infection. This bump could also be a benign tumor or a malignant tumor. In a senior dog, unfortunately there is always a chance any bump could be malignant. Given that it's been growing, I would have her seen by a vet for it. The vet can diagnose what is causing the bump and how best to treat it. Good luck, I hope this helps!