My dog has a lump on her chest. Why is she panting unusually?

Poor guy! In a senior dog, I would be very concerned that his huge bump is a malignant tumor that has now spread to his lungs causing his problems with breathing. Cancer can also affect his walking. I would have him seen by a vet right away. This bump needs to be diagnosed with a fine needle aspirate to see if he does have a malignant tumor, and x-rays need to be done of his chest to see his heart and lungs. Once the cause of this bump and difficulty breathing and walking is diagnosed, the vet can discuss if there are any treatment options for him.

Unfortunately, it is near impossible to determinewhat the mass is without a physical exam and diagnostics. Ideally, Comet should be examined by a veterinarian. A fine needle aspirate can be done in the clinic to collect samples for pathology. This may identify what type of mass is on her chest. Treatment options can be discussed with the veterinarian once results are returned. Until then, monitor the lump for rapid change or growth, pain associated with it or restriction of movement. If any of these symptoms develop, Comet will need to be seen by a veterinarian.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Brody. Given his age and the fact that he's a giant breed dog (who typically do not live as long as other breeds of dogs), there is a chance this could be a malignant growth. It could also be a cyst, lipoma, or 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. I would try to get into his vet to get this checked out. I hope this helps!

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 her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!

I know it can be scary when thinking about possible cancerous masses in your pet. But really the only way to know for sure is to have these masses tested through your vet. They can be cancerous masses, inflammatory reactions or benign tumors (non-cancerous). The heavy breathing that Allie is doing does concern me a bit. This can either be a sign of pain or an underlying lung or heart disease. So a vet visit although no desired, is probably the bext best thing to do for Allie in figuring out what's going on with both concerns. Best of luck getting some answers and take care.

It could be a benign mass or tumor like a lipoma, or it could be something more serious. If the lump is new, if it seems painful, or if it is very firm and fixed in place you should encourage your friend to get it checked out by a veterinarian soon.

Enlarged lymph nodes can be painful so this may be causing Elsa to pant. Enlarged lymph nodes can be due to infection but they can also be due to cancer like lymphoma. If Elsa has not had a needle aspirate of her lymph nodes I'd recommend she have this done so she can be checked for lymphoma. If she continues to pant tonight she should be examined by a veterinarian right away so she can get pain medication if needed. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I'm wishing for a good outcome for Elsa!