My ferret has a lump in its ear that's getting bigger. What is it?

Hello, and thank you for your question. Has Zen been scratching the ear, or shaking his head often? If so, the lesion in the ear may be due to an ear infection or ear mites that is causing swelling in the ear canal. Another possibility is a mass, such as a granuloma, abscess or cyst. I would recommend taking Zen to the vet within the next few days. They can examine inside the ear canal and take a sample of any debris in the ear to rule out an ear infection or mites. If they suspect there is a mass, they can perform a fine needle aspirate to sample it and find out what exactly it is. In the meantime, I would monitor Zen for any scratching, in addition to decreased appetite or energy. If so, I would get him to the vet sooner rather than later. I hope this helps, and that Zen is feeling better soon!

I would recommend having Lily evaluated by the vet if this mass is getting bigger. any abnormal growth that is changing in size and shape should be assessed to make sure that it is not malignant. A needle aspirate may give your vet enough clues to determine what this is, or they may recommend surgical biopsy or removal. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by 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!

Poor guy. This lump appears to be a huge mass and possible polyp. You will need to get this tested by your vet and seriously consider surgical removal of the mass. If left there this mass has a good chance of causing chronic ear infection, pain, and also can continue to grow. It is best to get this removed, so please consult with your veterinarian to devise a good plan for Little Bit in the near future. I hope that LIttle bit's ear mass gets resolved soon. Best of luck and take care.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to see well in the pictures. This could be a benign or malignant growth. This is often differentiated by 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!

That does look to be a mass. A mass is a collection of cells and can be benign (inflammation, cyst, some tumors) or a malignant tumor. Given the age of your dog this may be a histiocytoma, but as many skin tumors can look alike the best plan to confirm this is for your vet to perform a needle aspirate for cytology. That way you will know for sure if this can be monitored or if it needs any therapy. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Ryder. This lump could be a cyst or a benign growth. Any suspicious lumps should be examined 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 its cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. Once the cause of the lump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options if needed. Give his vet a call to make him an appointment. I hope this helps!