Skin Masses: When to Be Concerned About Your Pet’s Lumps and Bumps

Pet Lumps Explained: Knowing When It’s Time to See the Vet

Finding a lump on your pet can be a jarring moment. One minute you’re enjoying a cuddle session, and the next, your fingers brush against something that wasn’t there before. Instantly, your mind starts racing: Is it serious? Should I worry?

At Burlington Veterinary Center in Burlington, Connecticut, we understand how stressful that moment can be. The good news is, not every lump is dangerous. But it’s important to know what you’re looking at, what to watch for, and when to take action.

What Exactly Is a Skin Mass?

A skin mass is any unusual bump, lump, or swelling found on or under your pet’s skin. These masses can be:

• Small or large
• Soft or firm
• Stationary or moveable
• Painful or painless

They can show up suddenly or grow slowly over time. While some are harmless, others may require prompt medical attention. Knowing the difference starts with understanding what might be behind the lump.

What Causes Skin Masses in Pets?

Skin masses can form for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common:

• Breed predisposition: Certain breeds are more prone to tumors or cysts.
• Environmental exposure: Prolonged sun exposure or irritants can lead to skin changes. Some outdoor risks, like foxtails, can also create painful abscesses or embedded foreign bodies.
• Infections or trauma: Abscesses, ear hematomas, or other trauma-related issues may appear as lumps.
• Allergic reactions: Conditions like hives due to allergies can cause raised, itchy welts.
• Aging: Older pets are more likely to develop growths, both benign and malignant.

For a deeper dive into various causes and risks, including non-cancerous options like dog elbow calluses or viral warts like oral papillomas, understanding the context matters.

Why Monitoring Matters

Some lumps are no big deal. Others are. The challenge is knowing which is which. That’s why keeping an eye on changes is so important. Lumps that grow quickly, change in appearance, or begin to bother your pet should never be ignored.

What to Watch For

Here are some red flags that signal it’s time to call your vet:

• Size: Is the lump growing or changing rapidly?
• Color: Has it darkened, reddened, or become discolored?
• Texture: Has the surface changed—gone from smooth to crusty or vice versa?
• Pain or sensitivity: Does your pet flinch or react when you touch the area?
• Discharge: Any oozing, bleeding, or pus coming from the site?

Even subtle signs are worth noting. Performing regular home checks can help you catch changes early. This home exam guide from the Humane Society offers some great tips.

How We Diagnose Skin Lumps

At Burlington Veterinary Center, we use several diagnostic tools to figure out what a mass is and how to proceed.

• Physical exam: A full-body check helps us assess the size, shape, and location of the mass—and look for others you might not have noticed.
• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): A quick, relatively painless test where we collect cells for analysis. Learn more about small animal skin cytology.
• Biopsy: If the FNA is inconclusive or suggests a more serious concern, a tissue sample may be removed for lab testing.
• Imaging: In some cases, X-rays or ultrasounds help us understand how deep the mass goes or whether it’s affecting internal organs.

Want to learn more about cancer and your pet? Check out  Types of Cancer in Pets and Signs of Cancer to guide your learning—keeping in mind that not all masses are malignant cancers. For those that are, the Veterinary Cancer Society’s pet owner resources provide valuable support.

Treatment Options: What Happens Next?

Once we know what we’re dealing with, we’ll walk you through the best course of action.

Common Treatments

Every treatment plan is customized to your pet’s specific needs, age, and overall health. Sometimes, the best approach is removing the mass. Other times, especially in older pets, we may focus on comfort and quality of life.

Why It’s Important Not to Wait

Delaying treatment can give malignant tumors time to spread or allow infections to worsen. What might start as a minor issue can quickly become something more serious. Our goal is to act early, when outcomes are typically more favorable and treatments are simpler.

Living with Skin Masses: What to Expect

If your pet has a diagnosed skin mass that isn’t being removed right away, life doesn’t stop—it just comes with a few new routines.

• Monitor closely: Keep an eye on the size, appearance, and behavior of the mass. Measure regularly.
• Watch for discomfort: Licking, scratching, or avoiding certain movements may signal irritation or pain.
• Adjust grooming: Be gentle around the area and let us know if you notice bleeding or discharge.
• Support at home: If your pet tends to lick or scratch, using an Elizabethan collar can help prevent self-trauma.

Prevention and Early Detection

You can’t prevent every lump, but these steps can lower risks:

• Routine wellness exams: Regular vet visits help catch issues before they become serious.
• Healthy lifestyle: A good diet and regular exercise support skin and immune health.
• Sun protection: Light-colored pets or those with thin coats may need limited sun exposure.
• Home checks: Make it a habit to run your hands over your pet’s body during grooming or cuddle time.

Preparing for Your Vet Visit

Coming in with a little preparation can make your appointment more productive.

• Take notes: When did you first notice the lump? Has it changed? Is your pet acting differently?
• Bring photos: Pictures showing the mass over time can help us track its progression.
• Ask questions: Here are a few to get you started:
  • What kind of mass is this likely to be?
  • Should we remove it now or monitor it?
  • What are the risks of doing nothing?

FAQs

1. Are all lumps cancerous?
   No. Many are benign, but only proper testing can tell for sure.
2. My pet has had the lump for a while—should I still get it checked?
   Yes. Even a long-standing mass can change or start causing problems.
3. What if treatment isn’t in my budget?
   Let us know. We’ll work with you to explore financial options or alternative care approaches.

We’re Here When You Need Us

Discovering a lump on your pet can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. At Burlington Veterinary Center, we’re here to help you navigate the unknowns and make informed decisions about your pet’s health.

If you’ve found a lump or bump—or if you’re just not sure what to make of something—contact us or schedule an appointment. Let’s take the next step together.