Lumps and Bumps

October 10, 2008
Thumbnail image for microscope.jpgFinding a lump on your pet can be a worrying experience. Although many lumps are harmless it is impossible to tell what a lump is simply by looking at it.  If your pet has a swelling then book an appointment to get it checked.  We are able to take a small sample with a thin needle and look under the microscope to give you a reasonably accurate idea of whether cancer is present or not.  This can often be done the same day without having to send the sample away.
 



There are many things that can cause lumps:

  • bruising or fluid build-up
  • abcesses
  • cysts (blocked glands similar to blackheads only bigger)
  • ticks (small parasites which latch onto your pet's skin and suck blood, swelling as they do so)
  • cancers.

Although many lumps are harmless, some can be very dangerous if left untreated.   The biggest concern for most people is whether their pet has cancer or not.

Cancers are divided into two groups:
  • Benign: these lumps may grow bigger but do not spread elsewhere.
  • Malignant: more aggressive lumps which not only grow but also spread through the body and may affect organs such as lungs and liver.

Some benign growths can also cause problems if they continue to grow. Even fatty lumps can grow to a large size and may cause problems due to their physical size, eg restricting leg movement or pressing on the airways and causing breathing problems.  The largest fat lump we have removed was the size of a football.  Malignant growths are obviously more worrying - they must be removed before they have spread elsewhere.

     
If a lump has been present for a long time without causing any problems it may be benign but there is no way of knowing without testing the lump. 
 
All lumps that are left alone should be monitored closely. Feel the lump once a month, and keep a note of its size. Keeping a record each year at the time of vaccination is a good starting point. If the lump changes in any way, ie starts to grow more quickly, is sore, red or discharging, make an appointment to get it checked. We can give you an opinion on whether it is likely to cause a problem or not.  Unfortunately it will not be possible to say for certain that a growth will never cause problems just by looking at it.  

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