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My dog has a raised lump on his tail near his back. Should I worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered

Hi My dog has a large lump on his tail just where his back meets his tail. It is quite raised and is about the size of a 10 cent piece.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 26th, 2017

This lump on Alfie could be a cyst, an abscess, a benign tumor, or 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 have Alfie seen by a vet tomorrow to have this lump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated as needed.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on July 19th, 2018
Without seeing this lump in person, there is no way I can say what it causing it or how to treat it. It could be a cyst, an abscess, a benign tumor, or 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 recommend giving the vet a call in the morning to make an appointment to have this lump examined, diagnosed, and treated. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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