Canine Bumps: Varieties and Their Significance

Canine Lumps and Bumps: A Comprehensive Guide

Discovering a lump or bump on your furry friend can trigger an immediate wave of concern, especially if it appears suddenly. Although your initial thought may leap to cancer, take a deep breath. Not all lumps in dogs are malignant, and the majority are treatable.

The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that lumps found on or beneath a dog's skin make up around one-third of all tumors, both non-cancerous and cancerous. Most lumps share similar features, regardless of whether they are malignant. Therefore, if your dog develops an unusual lump, it's crucial to consult your veterinarian to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

While a quick online search might be tempting, self-diagnosis can lead to misinterpretation and potentially delay thenecessary care your pet requires. Early intervention can help prevent discomfort and potentially life-threatening complications.

Hard and immovable lumps tend to be more concerning than soft, movable lumps. However, it's essential to remember that many distinct types of lumps can have similar appearances. Here is a rundown of some common lumps and bumps dogs may develop, with an emphasis on their potential impact on a dog's health and longevity.

First Things First: Don't Panic

Lumps and bumps on dogs can arise for various reasons, many of which pose little threat to your dog's life. The growth could be a bite-induced abscess, an inflamed hair follicle, or a non-cancerous fatty growth like lipomas. In severe cases, it could signify cancer.

Finding a lump on a dog does not necessarily mean the worst, but it is important for a vet to evaluate the growth to make an accurate diagnosis and suggest an appropriate treatment plan, if needed. In most cases, you can schedule a veterinarian appointment at your earliest convenience, but if the lump or bump is hot, growing rapidly, producing pus, actively bleeding, or if your dog is in pain, seek emergency veterinary care.

Common Types of Lumps and Bumps in Dogs

Lumps on dogs can manifest either on the skin's surface (cutaneous) or beneath it (subcutaneous).

Skin Lumps (Cutaneous Masses):

Mast Cell Tumors: The most common cancerous lump found in dogs, mast cell tumors usually appear as red, raised, firm, and sometimes bleeding growths on the skin. They can vary in appearance but are typically aggressive and spread quickly, so prompt surgical removal is necessary.
Histiocytomas: These are non-harmful skin growths that are most common in young dogs. They are red, raised, and hairless and often appear as lumps or bumps on a dog's head or limbs. Since they can resemble mast cell tumors, it's essential to consult a veterinarian for confirmation.
Perianal Gland Adenomas: These are slow-growing, benign skin tumors that arise from the glands around the anal area. They are most common in non-neutered male dogs and require castration and tumor removal for treatment.
Sebaceous Gland Adenomas: These non-cancerous, hairless growths arise from the skin's oil glands and are usually small and do not require treatment unless they become troublesome.
Melanomas: These are tumors of pigment cells and most often appear as black, hard lumps on haired skin. While those on hairless skin are typically benign, melanomas on the mouth or toes are usually cancerous and require urgent surgical removal.
Squamous Cell Carcinomas: These skin cancer growths occur anywhere on a dog's body and may appear as red, painful lumps. Frequent exposure to sunlight is a known cause. Early detection and surgical removal are essential for a good prognosis.
Warts: Benign lumps caused by canine papillomaviruses, warts are usually small and light-colored with a rough, jagged appearance. Young dogs are most susceptible. They often disappear on their own, but some may require surgical removal.
Hives: Similar to hives in humans, these red, raised, circular bumps can occur anywhere on a dog's body. Allergies, infections, or reactions to vaccinations or medications can cause them. Immediate veterinary attention is required as allergic reactions can be severe and potentially life-threatening.

Subcutaneous (Under the Skin) Lumps:

Lipomas: These are the most common benign tumors in dogs, appearing as soft lumps that are movable beneath the skin. They are usually found on the chest or abdomen but can occur anywhere. Although they are non-cancerous, they can cause discomfort if they grow large or grow in problematic areas, so surgical removal may be necessary.
Abscesses: Abscesses are pockets of pus beneath the skin resulting from infections or bite wounds. They feel soft, are warm to the touch, and can occur anywhere on the body. Your dog will need veterinary care for draining and antibiotic therapy.
Soft Tissue Sarcomas: These are cancerous tumors that arise from the connective and nervous tissues, appearing anywhere on the body. Surgical removal is the most effective treatment, but follow-up chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be required.
Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors: These are a type of soft tissue sarcoma that arise from nerve cells, growing anywhere in a dog's body. Surgical removal is the first line of treatment, but recurrence is common, and in some cases, amputation or additional radiation therapy may be needed.
Enlarged Lymph Node: Lymph node enlargement can indicate infection, inflammation, or cancer. Enlargement of a single lymph node is not as concerning as multiple node enlargements, which often suggest systemic disease or cancer. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Diagnosing Lumps on Dogs

When you notice a new lump on your dog, early consultation with a veterinarian is essential for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination and consider your pet's medical history to narrow down potential diagnoses. Be prepared to provide information about the lump's location, growth rate, behavior, and any changes you've noticed in your dog since the lump appeared. A fine needle aspirate and cytology, biopsy, bloodwork, or imaging may be recommended for a definitive diagnosis.

Treating Canine Lumps

After a veterinarian confirms a diagnosis, they will recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on the type and severity of the growth. Common treatments for canine lumps include surgical removal, draining, medications, topical ointments, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Early detection and aggressive treatment can help improve your dog's chances of recovery, even when the lump is malignant. Although the cost of treatment varies based on the diagnosis, prompt attention to lumps and bumps can help control costs by addressing issues early when they are smaller and less likely to have caused secondary complications.

If your pet requires expensive diagnostic tests or treatment, financial assistance options such as CareCredit may be available to help lighten the burden.

As a responsible pet parent, regularly checking your dog for lumps and consulting a veterinarian at the first sign of an unusual growth is essential for early detection and intervention.

The American Veterinary Medical Association suggests that lumps on dogs, which constitute about one-third of all tumors, can impact a pet's 'health-and-wellness' significantly, especially if left untreated.
While a 'lifestyle' factor like excessive sun exposure might not cause lumps directly, it can increase the chances of developing Squamous Cell Carcinomas, a potentially dangerous skin cancer in dogs.
An overall 'medical-conditions' check-up, including testing for lymph node enlargement, might be necessary when dealing with 'skin-conditions' that could indicate systemic disease or cancer in dogs.