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My dog has a lump on her elbow. Is it serious and what should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Female | spayed | 10 years and 2 months old

Dog has a growth on elbow

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 23rd, 2020

That's a good size growth. This could be benign or malignant. 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 Tana's vet a call in the morning to make her an appointment.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on January 21st, 2017
Poor Poppy! It's sounds serious that this lump was squishy, and has now grown, turned hard, and caused her to limp. It could be this lump is a cyst, a benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. I would rest Poppy tonight, and have her seen by a vet first thing in the morning. Take her out to toilet on a lead only, and bring her right back in when she's done. Keep her confined to a small room or crate tonight to keep her from moving around too much. 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. Once the cause of the lump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment with you.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 10th, 2018
I wouldn't get too worried over the lump yet but it's something that I would have checked out by a vet. Tiffany could have gotten from an injury, it may be a callous, it could be a benign tumor, or it could be a malignant tumor. 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 make an appointment for her in the next couple of days to have this lump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated as needed. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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