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Why does my dog have a small, movable, painless lump on her skin?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Male | neutered | 7 years and 9 months old | 50 lbs

Small lump or bump on dogs and her thigh. It is colorless no openings just raised on my own. It has not changed in size over the last few weeks or month. Doesn’t seem to hurt or price pain. When I touch it it pulls up with the skin so not attached to muscle possibly?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on September 22nd, 2018

This looks like a benign fatty mass. They are common in older dogs and are not attached to deeper tissues usually. I’m glad you are watching it. The only way to know for sure is to have a needle aspirate and cytology done, which I recommend. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Jack.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Rebecca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 15th, 2017
I would recomend that Brar see his vet to diagnose the lump. I may only be a benign cyst to lipoma (fatty tumor) but it could be a more malignant mass as well. The vet can perform a needle aspirated to get cells to look at for cytology which may help determine what it is.

I'm so sorry your questions was previously missed. I'll let the site administrators know.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 6th, 2020
Typically fatty masses are lipoma's which are benign. However, it is always best to have your vet take a look at this and feel it in person just to be sure. The vet may also offer having it tested to be absolutely sure.
Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Take care. : )
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on August 8th, 2019
From the photos, Lucky's mass appears pinkish colored. I recommend to have Lucky examined by the veterinarian. Skin masses can be many things but red or pink raised masses are especially concerning for a skin cancer called a Mast Cell tumor. Your veterinarian will need to collect a sample of cell to examined under the microscope to determine what this is and if further treatment is needed. Have this checked out soon. Please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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