My dog has lumps near kidneys & fur changed. Should I see a vet now?

I would definitely have Dexter seen by a vet tomorrow and not wait until May. This lump could be a cyst, an abscess, a benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. 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 it's cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. The vet can examine and diagnose the lump, and then can discuss treatment options with you.

Bumps can be benign, as you know. If your veterinarian has any concerns that this is more than just a lipoma, then they will likely recommend removal. The goal would be complete removal and hopefully be curative. But you can’t make a plan until she is examined. I would not wait until December, I would go in early and see what your doctor has to say about it. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Hi there. Let me see if I can help you with Sophia. I would definitely make a future appointment so that your vet can get a good look at the growth. It may just be a small cyst, but could always be something more. From the photo it doesn't look like it is open or oozing, so as long as it's not bothering her - she isn't scratching/chewing/licking at it, I would monitor it until you can get her in to see someone. If it happens to be a worrisome growth that needs removal and a biopsy your vet can get that all set. As long as everything else is ok, just get her in for the next available appointment to check the growth. Best of luck.

As long as she is otherwise acting ok, it is not growing rapidly, and/or has a discharge then you could wait and take her this weekend. Your vet can do a needle aspirate to help determine the cause and determine if the lump needs to be removed or treated.

Hi and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If the lum has not gotten bigger and remains stable in size and character, I think it is safe to wait until the 18th for removal. Your veterinarian is likely concerned the mass is cancerous. Therefore she is likely recommending removal for a better diagnosis. It really could be anything, from an infected cancerous mass or an infected benign mass. Removal of the mass and sending it for histopathology would be the gold standard for diagnosis and prognosis.

Hello. It is always best to have any lumps, bumps or new lesions checked out as soon as possible, but if it does not seem to be bothering Lola & it is not bleeding or oozing, then you can probably wail a day or so to have it looked at. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This appears to be a skin mass. As long as it isn't bothering Chinook, it's ok to wait until Monday to get this area tested through your vet. Best case scenario is that this is a benign tumor that isn't of concern for your pet. Best wishes and take care.