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My dog has a soft, sudden lump on her leg. What could it be?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 5 years and 3 months old | 70 lbs

My dog has a big lump the size of a ping pong ball on her leg, this has suddenly appeared. It is soft to the touch and doesn't seem to be causing her any problems , but would like to know what it is

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on October 20th, 2017

It may be a fluid filled cyst or a soft tissue mass. You will need to have Mika examined by your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis. A fine needle aspirate can be done in the clinic to collect samples for pathology. Once results are in, you can discuss treatment options with your vet.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on June 23rd, 2018
Given Charlie's age, I would be concerned what you are seeing is a growth of some sort, potentially malignant. 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 call your vet in the morning to make an appointment for him to have this lump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated as needed. Best of luck, I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on December 8th, 2016
The lump on Buddha could be due to a cyst, a lipoma (benign fatty tumor), a malignant tumor (if he is at least middle aged, it's unlikely in a young dog), or a benign tumor. It would be a good idea to have it checked out by a vet, as 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 him into the vet tomorrow to have it examined and diagnosed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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