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My dog has a squishy lump on his side. Is it serious? What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Beagle | Male | 1 year and 11 months old | 130 lbs

Well I was relaxing at home with my dog ,I noticed a buldge on his right side of his lower side. At first I thought it was just fast but it was very squishy and he doesn't like me touching it . While squishing it, it feels as if there's something in the middle . I'm very worried and I'm not sure what to do , could this be something serious like Google Warned me about?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 15th, 2018

This lump on Oliver could be a cyst, an abscess, a lipoma (benign fatty tumor), or another type of benign tumor. In a dog his age, it would be rare for it to be malignant. Regardless, this is something that should be checked out 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'd make an appointment with the vet for him on Monday 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

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lauren M. Jones, VMD
Veterinarian
Published on August 8th, 2017
The soft, squishy and warm lump that you've noticed on Bruce's side could be due to an abscessed wound, cyst, or a benign or malignant mass. Bruce should take a trip to his vet, particularly if this lump has grown or changed rapidly. The vet will be able to use a needle to draw out some cells to examine them microscopically, if needed. From there, he may need a course of antibiotics or surgical removal of this lesion. If he is licking at this lesion, put an e-collar ( http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=20390 ) on him to prevent further skin irritation. I hope that all goes well!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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