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My dog has a strange lump. What is it and when should I see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Female | unspayed | 6 months and 22 days old | 40 lbs

What is this and what can I do to help my dog?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Emily, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 11th, 2017

This could be an abscess forming, a focal area of ringworm, or even a focal type of mite called Demodex. You can try applying a warm compress and keeping the area clean and seeing if it improves. Typically an appointment like Neosporin is it very effective but it likely wouldn't cause any harm. I would recommend having Jade wear an e-collar to prevent her from scratching at the area or rubbing her face on the ground as that can make it worse. If the area becomes increasingly swollen, red, painful or begins draining it should be seen by veterinarian. This is because that indicates your dog will likely need antibiotics and potentially the site flushed.

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    Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    This looks like a mass or a cyst. I would recommend to had a vet look at it to ensure it isn't cancerous. If she is messing with it, I would place a cone collar on her to prevent her from making it worse.

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    Answered By Britni Miller, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Unfortunately lumps and bumps cannot be diagnosed based on pictures. It could be something benign such as a cyst or sebaceous adenoma, or it could be something malignant such as a mast cell tumor. The only way to know for sure is to have Jade seen by her veterinarian. They will do a physical exam and take a sample, called a fine needle aspirate, to look at under the microscope. They can then determine what, if any treatment is needed.

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    Answered By Joy Fuhrman, DVM, MBA, CPA

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It is difficult to tell from these pictures where on the body the cyst(s) is/are located. If on the jaw or muzzle it could be secondary to dental disease. It is also possible that Jade got bitten by an insect or stuck her face into a foxtail plant or cactus causing cutaneous foreign body lesions. Other possibilities include enlarged lymph nodes or even lymphoma. Your veterinarian will be able to test these lumps to determine exactly what they are and recommend appropriate treatment depending on the diagnosis.

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