My dog has a lump on their tail. Is it serious? Should I see a vet?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

  Veterinarian

  This looks like a tumor or mass that has grown very large and become infected. I cannot tell by looking at it if it is a cancerous mass or not. I would recommend having this mass checked out by your vet. They can do a cytology of the mass (look a cells under the microscope) to better determine what type of mass it is and if it needs to be removed. Your vet will probably also put your dog on some antibiotics to help it heal. Tail masses can be tricky because if they need to be removed it needs to be done before the mass becomes too large since there is not a lot of skin on the tail to close. Good luck!

  

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• Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on December 18th, 2019

  It is hard to tell for sure based on the photo due to the hair there and also the way the swelling looks. I can certainly tell however that it has opened up and healed over in the center at some point. This is likely either due to trauma or the fact that it has grown so large and is running out of room.
  If the swelling has been there for more than a few weeks, then we have to assume this is a mass and therefore have it tested to find out what kind of mass it is. If it just showed up and is bothering Lucky, then there is a chance it is an inflammatory lesion, and that medications can help it resolve. This can really go either way, so unfortunately you will have to wait a bit until your vet can look at it on Friday. The vet may also offer to have it tested to be sure.
  
  I do hope that things go well moving forward with Lucky and this swelling on his tail. Best wishes and take care.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful