My dog has a non-itchy lump on his neck. Should I be concerned?

Hello, and thank you for your question. I agree with your family vet that the lump looks like a skin tag. I would only consider further workup if the lump grows significantly in a short period of time, if it changes shape or texture, or if Timmy starts bothering at it (scratching, licking). At that point, a fine needle aspirate can be done to confirm the nature of the lump, and decide whether surgery is necessary to remove it. I hope this helps, and that Timmy is happy and healthy!

Aw poor Tottie! Without examining the lump is impossible to say if it is anything to be worried about. It also sounds like Tottie has an ear infection. I'd recommend taking Tottie to see your veterinarian so that her ears can be checked. Your vet can also check the lump and take a needle sample to determine if it is a problem. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope Tottie's issues can be resolved quickly!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I do recommend all abnormal growths be evaluated by a veterinarian to determine if they are benign (non-cancerous) or not. Skin growths can be due to a variety of reasons, including allergies, infection, allergies, warts, or true tumors. What type of growth it is typically can be evaluated by a needle sample by your veterinarian, and then a treatment plan can be made, if needed. Good luck!

Yes, this may just be a benign growth like a skin tag, but I cannot make a definitive diagnosis without seeing him in person. 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 hope this helps!

Hi and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry that Cooper has a lump on his neck. Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose a lump based on what it looks like. Therefore, I would take Cooper to a veterinarian to perform a full physical exam and determine if is in fact a lump that needs to be tested or a wound/abscess or something else. Based on what it is, your veterinarian will determine the best treatment. Good luck!

Hello, Smurf's skin tag may not be much to be worried about since it has been there for over a year. However it is not your typical skin mass in terms or color and appearance and some of those dark pigmented skin masses can be malignant. The only way to really know though is by removing it. I would consult with your veterinarian about removing the mass and submitting it for biopsy so that your can know for sure if it is benign or malignant. The mass is small so surgery shouldn't be too extensive, but they may require pre-surgical bloodwork and x-rays. Hope this helps and best of luck.

As long as he is behaving normally otherwise, you can monitor the lumps at home. Older dogs are more prone to these growths. Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine which ones you should worry about without a physical exam and diagnostics. Monitor them for rapid change or growth, discharge, pain associated with a mass or a mass that restricts motion. If necessary, your veterinarian can perform a fine needle aspirate in the clinic to collect samples for pathology. This could identify which lumps are of concern. Discuss treatment options after results are returned.