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What are these sudden lumps on my dog's neck? Should I be worried?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Male | neutered | 3 years and 9 months old | 12 lbs

My little Yorkie (3.5 yrs) all of a sudden developed little lumps on the back of his neck below his head. Trying to figure out what caused it, I thought possibly he had an allergic reaction towards something he ate.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on April 3rd, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These could be benign or malignant growths. These could even be due to an infection or an allergic reaction like you pointed out. This is often differentiated by an exam and a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on March 16th, 2017
This kind of lump/growth needs to be ideally assessed by your veterinarian to have a definitive and specific answer. Usually there are two ways your vet can do that a part from examining it directly during physical examination. A biopsy can be taken under local or general anesthetic, otherwise a smaller sample through a fine needle can be aspirated (this technique is called FNA= fine needle aspiration).
Unfortunately without sampling them it is difficult to give you a straight answer.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on September 26th, 2019
This lump/bump/growth should be ideally examined by your local vet to have a diagnosis established.
Your vet may want to perform an FNA (fine needle aspiration) or a biopsy to sample the bump and determine its underlying nature.
The procedure to remove it for diagnostic purposes will be fairly quick and could even be done under local anesthetic.
Differentials would include skin cysts, infections, benign or more malignant type of tumors.
Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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