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My pet has a soft lump. How long can I wait before seeing a vet?

Updated On December 4th, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 4 months old

I found a lump on Luna' s chest this evening. It's soft but about the size of a nickel. I tried to get a picture but she would not hold still for me to get a clear one. How long can I wait and watch it before I need to take her to the vet? She is eating fine and acting normal.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on August 29th, 2017

I'm glad to hear that Luna otherwise seems to be normal despite the lump. Luna's lump could be a benign or malignant mass, cyst, granuloma, abscess, or other issue. As a general rule of thumb, more aggressive masses will grow rapidly (doubling or tripling in size over 2-3 months) or potentially ulcerate faster than benign lesions. Try to measure the lump so that you can track changes at home. If the lump begins to grow, feels different, ulcerates, or causes Luna discomfort, it should be evaluated sooner rather than later. Otherwise, there are no hard and fast rules regarding when it should be evaluated. If it does not change, it may be fine to keep an eye on it for a while, but try to have it evaluated within the next 6 months. I hope this helps and that all goes well for Luna!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By David Darvishian

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear that Luna is having a problem. I would advise that you take her to your veterinarian as soon as you can. Rats can get mammary cysts or mammary tumors and the sooner you get her checked out the sooner you and your veterinarian can discuss the best treatment option. These can be removed surgically and biopsied, which is where a section of tissue is preserved and sent to a pathologist to see exactly what the tissue is. If your vet isn't familiar with working on rats, then I would advise someone near you who is. Good luck with Luna.

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