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My dog has a large neck lump, is lethargic, and won't eat. What is it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Havanese | Male | unneutered | 6 years and 4 months old | 10 lbs

Hello, We have become very concerned about our dog's health. He has been lethargic and not eating. He didn't even want to go for a walk! This has been happening for about a week. My mom showered him today and noticed inflammation in his neck. It's pretty big, about the size of a cupped fist. What is it? An inflamed lymph? Could it be a tumor? I know this is crude information, but I can not show the inflammation until we trim him. He sleeps outside. Breed: havanese Papillion. 4yrs.~10lbs. Thanku

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Kristin DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 8th, 2018

Thank you for your question. A lump the size of a cupped fist on the neck of a 10 lb dog is a big lump!! I can't tell you exactly what it is, but there are a few possibilities. Depending on the location, an enlarged lymph node is possible, but that is pretty huge for a lymph node. I would suspect this is either an abscess or a tumor. You will want to get Zuki to the veterinarian so they can perform a fine needle aspirate, which is where they use a needle to collect cells and look under the microscope to make a diagnosis. If this is just an abscess, they might be able to lance and drain it and make Zuki feel much better. If this is a tumor, it will not be so simple. Until you can get to the veterinarian, you can trim the hair, and place a hot pack over the area for 10 minutes several times a day. If it is an abscess, this might help it break open and drain. But don't wait long to seek veterinary care, as it could get much worse. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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