Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog has a soft lump on his neck. Is it a fatty cyst or worse?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 7 years and 6 months old | 65 lbs

Hello, i just noticed that my dog has a lump on the side of his neck. Its rather large about the size of my hand. Its soft like a fatty cyst (he has one on his belly) but worries me because it has come out of nowhere. Hes been scratching his poor ears lately , which we are on top of. Do you think that his scratching obsessively might have made it swell or cause a a fatty cyst? He doesn't show pain when it's touched and no wounds on it. Thanks

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Joy Fuhrman, DVM, MBA, CPA

Veterinarian

Published on March 19th, 2017

It is unlikely that the lump would have developed from Tyson scratching at his ear. The lump could be a swollen lymph node due to the underlying ear infection. It could also be a benign fatty mass called a lipoma. Another alternative is that it could be a cancerous mass. If you are concerned about the mass, your vet will be able to test it with a fine needle aspiratebto determine what it is and recommend appropriate treatment. Good luck! I hope Tyson is feeling better soon.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    This lump needs to be checked and analysed as there are many conditions and types of tumors that could look like that. take Tyson to the vet, they will perform a fine needle aspiration on the growth and send it to the lab for analysis. when the result comes, the vet will advise what needs to be done according to the diagnosis.

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet keeps scratching its ear. What's causing this problem?
Is your pet scratching their ear often? A certified Petco veterinarian explains common causes like otitis or infection and how to identify the problem.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My guinea pig has a growing lump on its neck. Can it heal itself?
Guinea pig has a growing, hard neck lump? Worried about vet costs? A certified veterinarian advises on crucial steps for diagnosis and your pet's well-being.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet's eye looks strange but doesn't seem to hurt. What's wrong?
Is your pet's eye issue painless? A DVM explains potential corneal trauma or scratch. Immediate vet care is crucial to save their eye. Get expert advice now!
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored