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My 9-year-old dog has a 1-inch lump on her belly. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Blue Heeler | Female | spayed | 8 years and 6 months old | 59.966 lbs

The attached image appears to be a growth on the belly of our 9 yr old stumpy-tailed Blue Heeled desexed cattle dog. Could you please help us identify this growth which is about 1 inch long? Our dog is healthy and active. Thank you for your kind assistance.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 23rd, 2018

There are a couple of things this lump on Heidi could be such as a benign tumor, a cyst, or a malignant tumor. Unfortunately without seeing her in person, I can't say for certain what it is, so I recommend a vet visit. 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 take her into the vet in the next couple of days to have this lump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated as need. Best of luck!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 16th, 2017
I certainly would have this examined by a vet, as this lump could be caused by a cyst, benign tumor, or 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 have your girl seen by a vet today or tomorrow to have the lump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on November 27th, 2017
This lump needs to be checked and analysed as there are many conditions and types of tumors that could look like that. take Hannie to the vet, they will perform a fine needle aspiration on the growth and send it to the lab for analysis. when the result comes, the vet will advise what needs to be done according to the diagnosis.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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