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What's this soft, fatty lump on my dog's chest? Should I see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 8 years and 4 months old | 22 lbs

Hi folks, I sent this Q about a week ago but got no response? Probably got lost in the system but not a big issue, can't criticise a great service like you guys provide! My boy Bear has a very soft, fat like "thingo" on his chest where his front shoulder meets all the bony bits. He has had it for about a year, it is around 1" long 1/2" wide and some 3/16" high. It is a normal healthy pink colour, never worries him or is tender to touch. What could it be & should I see his veT? Thanks

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Rebecca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 15th, 2017

I would recomend that Brar see his vet to diagnose the lump. I may only be a benign cyst to lipoma (fatty tumor) but it could be a more malignant mass as well. The vet can perform a needle aspirated to get cells to look at for cytology which may help determine what it is. I'm so sorry your questions was previously missed. I'll let the site administrators know.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Jeffrey Milner

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 17th, 2017

    Unfortunately, figuring out what a mass is based on look and feel is purely speculation. If it is soft and freely mobile, this is usually a good indication that it isn't something harmful. However, the fact that it isn't bothering her is not an indicator of anything at all. Some common masses that we see on dogs that are soft and mobile are called lipomas and hair follicle masses. Nevertheless, mast cell tumors, which are very harmful, can look and feel like anything and appear anywhere. I would suggest having your veterinarian do a fine needle aspirate of the mass and look at the cells on the microscope. If it looks suspicious, you can have it sent out to a pathologist or simply have the mass removed. It is small enough and loosely connected to the body, making removal quite easy. Hope this is helpful.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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