My dog has a lip lump, biopsy results are late. What can I do for her?

As the lump as already been removed, it is quite safe to wait that long, the main reason for sending it to the lab is for you to know if it is a benign tumor or a malignant tumor, if it is a malignant tumor, the prognosis will not be good, even if the lump has been removed cleanly. if it is benign then you have very little to worry about.

Bumps can be benign, as you know. If your veterinarian has any concerns that this is more than just a lipoma, then they will likely recommend removal. The goal would be complete removal and hopefully be curative. But you can’t make a plan until she is examined. I would not wait until December, I would go in early and see what your doctor has to say about it. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

This kind of lump/growth needs to be ideally assessed by your veterinarian to have a definitive and specific answer. Usually there are two ways your vet can do that a part from examining it directly during physical examination. A biopsy can be taken under local or general anesthetic, otherwise a smaller sample through a fine needle can be aspirated (this technique is called FNA= fine needle aspiration). Differentials include skin cysts, infections, benign or more sinister type of tumors. 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.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing for sure without an examination though this represents a reason to seek veterinary care. This is usually determined with an examination and a fine needle aspirate (FNA) or a biopsy. Treatment depends on the findings up to that point. I recommend you have Panda evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good day!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. Even young dogs can develop growths. This can be a viral wart or another tumor type like a mast cell tumor, histiocytoma, among many others. 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!

Thank you for the pictures. I wouldn't rush Topsy into the emergency clinic, but I would recommend having this evaluated sooner rather than later (next day or two). It is hard to tell from the pictures if it is skin related or more involved. Some possibilities include skin irritation from something that she came in contact with, an insect bite, possibly tooth related, or maybe a foreign body. If she will allow you you can lift her tongue and look around her lips to see if you can see any potential source of irritation. If she will not allow you, or the lump seems to be uncomfortable to her then I wouldn't push her and definitely have her evaluated by a veterinarian. I hope this gives you some direction. I am available for consultations if you have further questions or concerns. Feel better soon Topsy!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like it could be a small abscess like lesion or a focal infection. Either way, this is likely to resolve with local treatment if the infection is confirmed. I think it would be ok to wait until next week as long as it starts resolving and healing on its own as sometimes these do resolve again if that is what it is. If this continues to worsen or progresses or it is not healing, it would be indicated to have him seen sooner. Good luck and best wishes!