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My dog has a new bump on her neck that's getting bigger. What is it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | 7 years old | 15 lbs

Tavia is a 7yr old Boston/Pug/Beagle/Shih Tzu cross. She has been healthy aside from several seizures she suffered when she was 4 due to stress from a new dog in the house. 5 months ago I noticed a bump on the back of her neck. I have attached a picture of the bump on Oct 13, 2018 and another from March 7, 2019. The bump feels slightly bigger now than it did in October. Based on the pictures (dates are stamped on the pics) does this look like a cause for concern? Thank you in advance

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 8th, 2019

This could be a benign tumor, but it is concerning that it's gotten bigger. 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. I would give Tavia's vet a call in the morning to make her an appointment. Best of luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 9th, 2017
This growth on Toby would be a cyst, a benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. Because it's getting bigger, it definitely needs to be examined by a 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 growth 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 Toby seen by a vet tomorrow to have the growth examined and diagnosed, and the vet can treat it as needed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on June 17th, 2019
This could be a benign tumor that's started growing. 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 Mia's vet a call to make her an appointment.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 30th, 2018
It's really difficult to say what this is without examining her, because there are many possibilities that fit that description. It's best to have a vet examine Zoey sometime soon in the next day, or two, because this seems to be very large and if it grows much bigger it may be inoperable (in the case that it's a tumor). We can usually identify the cause of these lumps within the time of an exam period, or soon thereafter, so it's well worth having her seen by a professional. Below is a link to an article that explains a few different causes of lumps in dogs.

https://www.petcoach.co/article/lumps-and-bumps-on-your-pet/

I hope that helps and all is well with Zoey.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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