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My senior dog has a leg bump, vet suggests amputation. What is it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Male | neutered | 12 years and 8 months old | 15 lbs

My dog is 12 years old, and a jack russell. He's very active, healthy, and happy. Recently, I've noticed a very large bump on his rear leg and many smaller bumps throughout his body. We went to a vet and they said that the mass on his leg would mean that his leg would need to be amputated or that he would have to be put to sleep... It is not causing any pain yet, and hoping it doesn't at all, but any indicators of what it might be?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Sabina Snyder, Specialty Surgery Technician

Veterinary Technician

Published on August 5th, 2017

It is very hard to say without knowing what exactly the vet determined the mass or growth to be. If the vet recommend amputation then I would assume the growth is some sort of cancerous growth. Most veterinarians will not recommend amputation unless a mass is very aggressive and large or unless it is a bone mass that cannot be surgically removed. I would have a more in depth conversation with your vet to discuss exactly what kind if mass your dog has and what kinds of treatments are possible. Even though your dog may not be showing you any signs of obvious pain, these types of things can be painful. Animals are very good at masking pain.
I would also consider thinking about getting a second opinion. If you came away from a vet appointment being told you needed to amputate your dog's leg, but not really knowing why, you might want to find another vet who would be able to explain things a little better. But that is just a thought.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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