Understanding Moveable Lumps on Dogs: Causes and Treatment

A moveable lump on your dog can be a concerning sight, but understanding the possible causes can help you determine the best course of action.

Some moveable lumps on dogs are caused by skin abscesses, which are pockets of pus that can form under the skin.

Skin abscesses can be painful for your dog, and if left untreated, they can lead to more serious infections.

A skin abscess can be diagnosed by a veterinarian through a physical examination and possibly a fine-needle aspirate or biopsy.

In most cases, skin abscesses can be treated with antibiotics and drainage of the abscess.

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Lipomas, a type of skin growth, can occur in older, overweight dogs and may appear in multiple locations.

They can develop from fat cells under the skin or in muscle tissue and may become quite large.

Cancerous growths, such as liposarcomas, can transform from lipomas, so it's essential to monitor them over time.

Lipomas can be found on the trunk and legs, and while they may not need treatment, they should be monitored for rapid changes.

They can interfere with motion if they become bothersome, and in such cases, surgical removal may be considered.

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Follicular cysts are rare skin lumps caused by dilation and rupture of hair follicles. They may look alarming, but they're usually benign.

These cysts are relatively easy to remove under anaesthetic, making them a straightforward solution for your vet to resolve.

If you've ever noticed a lump or bump on your dog's skin, it's natural to wonder what it is and whether it's something to worry about. A lump on a dog's skin can be caused by a variety of things, including lipomas, which are common in older, overweight dogs and can develop in muscle tissue or under the skin.

Lipomas are usually not bothersome, but they should be monitored for rapid changes. They can transform into cancerous growths called liposarcomas, so it's essential to keep an eye on them.

Some lumps on a dog's skin can be caused by benign growths, such as follicular cysts, which are rare and usually easy to remove under anesthesia. These cysts are caused by the dilation and rupture of hair follicles.

To determine whether a lump on your dog's skin is something to worry about, your vet will typically perform a physical exam, taking note of the location, size, color, and texture of the lump, as well as any changes that have occurred since you first noticed it.

Here are some key factors to consider:

In some cases, your vet may need to conduct additional tests, such as a fine needle aspirate or biopsy, to determine the cause of the lump. Don't wait to see how the lump behaves – seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure your dog receives the best possible care.

Benign tumors are not likely to spread to other areas on the body. They can be found in various locations, such as the head, ears, neck, and forelimbs of older dogs.

Some common types of benign tumors in dogs include sebaceous gland tumors, basal cell tumors, and lipomas or fatty growths. These tumors are typically slow-growing and may be small in size, such as smaller than a pea.

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Sebaceous gland tumors, for example, are commonly found in older dogs and may develop in any location. They are usually smaller than a pea and may bleed or secrete a material that forms a crust.

Lipomas or fatty growths are classic lumps under the skin of older dogs, and they usually grow so slowly that it takes 6 months to see any change. Most often found on the chest or abdomen.

Fatty growths are a common issue in older dogs. They're usually found on the chest or abdomen.

Lipomas, as they're called, are benign tumors made up of fat cells. They grow so slowly you might not even notice a change in 6 months.

A fine needle aspiration is the best way to confirm a lump is a lipoma. Don't assume it's a lipoma without getting a vet to do this test first.

Most lipomas don't need to be removed, but they might be taken off if they're in a difficult spot like the legs or armpits. I also like to remove them from younger dogs so they don't get too big.

Sebaceous adenomas are benign tumors that affect the sebaceous glands in dogs. They are very common in Poodles, Maltese, Bichons, and their crosses.

These tumors are often wrongly called warts, but they have a classic appearance and slow growth, making them easy to identify. Biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Sebaceous adenomas can appear anywhere on the body, but they often show up on the ears. They can be small or large, but most of them don't cause any problems. However, if they become ulcerated or are being licked, removal is necessary.

Some sebaceous adenomas can cause discomfort or bleeding, and in these cases, surgical removal is the best option. Laser surgery or freezing the growth may be necessary to avoid fecal incontinence when surgery involves the anal sphincter.

Most male dogs with sebaceous adenomas are cured by neutering alone, but large or ulcerated tumors may also be surgically removed. Females can also be treated with surgical removal, but the growths often recur.

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Histiocytoma is a benign skin growth that usually occurs in dogs less than 2 years of age. It's a common issue in young dogs.

These growths are typically found on the front half of a dog's body, often as a lump on the head or legs. Rarely, they can appear in older dogs or on other areas of the body.

Histiocytomas are usually pink and fleshy, but may get bigger and seem more irritated before improving. They can be diagnosed through microscopic examination of a sample of cells from the growth.

If the lump starts shrinking in 2 weeks, no treatment is necessary. Otherwise, removal of the lump is often recommended to be sure.

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Papilloma is a contagious, wart-like growth that usually occurs in and around the mouth in young dogs, or around the eyes or on other areas of the body in older dogs.

Papillomas are caused by a virus that can be spread through direct contact with an infected dog or contaminated items.

They appear small, fleshy, and round with a cauliflower-like texture to the surface.

Some papillomas will dry up and fall off within a few months as the dog's immune system matures.

However, severe cases can make eating or swallowing difficult and may require surgical removal.

Medications and other treatment methods are also available, including crushing of the warts to stimulate the immune system.

Trichoepitheliomas are small, benign lumps that pop up from the hair follicles of adult dogs.

They are cyst-like and filled with condensed, yellow, cheesy, granular material.

Trichoepitheliomas can occur anywhere on the body, but especially on the face and trunk.

Surgical removal is the treatment for trichoepitheliomas, but they are likely to continue to form at other locations, even after surgery.

Mast cell tumors are the most common malignant tumor seen in dogs, often affecting older dogs but can occur in dogs of any age. They can develop solitary growths anywhere on the body, especially the limbs, lower abdomen, and chest.

These tumors can be fast-growing, pink button-like lumps that can be well-behaved or very aggressive, and may recur following incomplete removal. Your vet can usually diagnose them via fine needle aspiration, but sometimes a biopsy is required.

Surgical removal is necessary for mast cell tumors, and if the tumor regrows or spreads, other treatments including chemotherapy and radiation may be used.

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Soft tissue sarcoma is a type of cancer that affects dogs, often manifesting as fast-growing, locally invasive tumors of connective tissue.

These tumors are common in large breeds and can be mistaken for lipomas if a biopsy isn't done.

A clue to identifying sarcomas is their position on the body, as lipomas are rarely found on the legs.

Prompt, careful resection with a wide margin is the recommended treatment for soft tissue sarcoma.

A 2cm margin is typically standard for resection, as shown in the picture of a fibrosarcoma on a leg.

The earlier these lumps are checked, the better the chances of successful treatment.

Mast Cell Tumors are the most common malignant tumor seen in dogs, often affecting older dogs but can occur in dogs of any age. They can develop solitary growths anywhere on the body, especially the limbs, lower abdomen, and chest.

Larger or rapidly growing tumors and those in certain locations are more likely to spread. Their appearance can greatly vary, but most are red, raised and either soft or firm to the touch.

These tumors release chemicals and compounds such as histamine which can cause this type of tumor to get larger and smaller and larger again, similar to that of an allergic reaction. Your vet will need to examine a sample of cells from the growth under a microscope to confirm a diagnosis.

There is variation on how aggressive these tumors are. Surgical removal is necessary, and if the tumor regrows or spreads, other treatments including chemotherapy and radiation may be used.

Melanoma is a type of cancer that affects dogs and can appear as slow-growing, dark lumps. These lumps are not caused by sunlight exposure.

In dogs, melanomas are relatively less malignant compared to human melanomas and shouldn't cause you to lose sleep.

Perianal Adenoma is a type of benign tumor that's common in older, unneutered male dogs.

These growths typically appear as multiple small lumps, but larger tumors can develop bleeding ulcerations and compress the anal canal, making it difficult for your dog to poop.

Almost all male dogs are cured by neutering alone, but large or ulcerated tumors may also be surgically removed.

Females improve with surgical removal, but the growths often recur.

Laser surgery or freezing the growth may be necessary to avoid fecal incontinence when surgery involves the anal sphincter.

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Basal cell tumors are a common issue in older dogs, often developing on the head, ears, neck, and forelimbs. They're benign growths that can appear as raised swellings.

Basal cell tumors are typically firm, solitary, dome-shaped, and small, but some may be hairless, ulcerated, and stick out like stalks from the surface of the skin. They're dark in color and may form cysts that break open and drain fluid or pus.

The good news is that basal cell tumors are not likely to spread to other areas of the body, making them a relatively manageable condition. However, they can cause discomfort for the dog, especially if they become large or ulcerated.

Surgical removal is usually the recommended treatment for basal cell tumors, especially if the dog is experiencing discomfort. This involves removing the tumor and enough surrounding skin to ensure that no tumor cells remain.

If your vet suspects a cancerous lump, they may need to conduct additional tests to narrow down the cause, such as a fine needle aspirate or biopsy.

A physical assessment by your vet is the first step in diagnosing a moveable lump on your dog. They will note the location of the lesion, how long it's been there, and any changes that have occurred since you first noticed it.

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It's essential to take a series of photographs of the lump from different angles to help your vet make a diagnosis. This can also help track any changes in the lump over time.

Your vet may need to take a small sample of cells or tissue from the lump to examine under a microscope. This can be done through a fine needle aspirate or biopsy, which can be done in the exam room or during surgery.

If your vet suspects a cancerous lump, they may recommend a biopsy to determine the type of cancer and its stage. This will help them decide the best course of treatment for your dog.

Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating a moveable lump on your dog:

Your vet will use these factors to determine the best course of action for your dog. They may recommend monitoring the lump for changes, removing it through surgery or laser treatment, or administering chemotherapy or radiation.