Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo
  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog has sudden red lumps all over. Could it be cancer spreading?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 6 years and 9 months old | 32.4 lbs

Hi, our vet is trying to identify the lumps. They mentioned it could be cancer but were not sure, would cancerous lumps appear all over the body in the span of a week? She is acting very down and her heart rate is fast. There are some bumps that are below the skin and connected to her muscle and some that are connected to the underside of the skin itself. Some of them are becoming red on the surface and are loosing hair. She has been given antibiotics and antihistamines. Should we be doing more?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Megan, DVM, CVA

Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on February 13th, 2019

Wow! Poor Baby! I am really concerned about the potential of mast cell tumors. I would talk to your vet about whether they have aspirated any of them. If so, they may want to remove one of them and send it in to the pathologist to see what it is. They may want to send it in for a cytology, bacterial culture, and fungal culture to help figure out the problem. I would have make sure your vet has done blood work to look at her white blood count. If it isn't high and they suspect mast cell tumor, I would either go see an oncologist or start her on prednisone. I hope this helps to guide you in her treatment.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share

Styled arrow button