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My dog has hard, painful lumps on his sides. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Wire Fox Terrier | Male | neutered | 10 years and 5 months old | 22 lbs

tuffy has two hard masses on his sides. the location is between my 2nd and 3rd fingers on each did did his torso. he grows if you push on them, they seem to relate to his intestinal comfort

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on September 13th, 2017

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These could be benign growths such as a lipomas or malignant growths such as a mast cell tumors, melanomas, among many other possibilities. I recommend you have Tuffy evaluated by your veterinarian for a test called fine needle aspirate which is an easy, quick and pain-free procedure which in the majority of cases will help reach a diagnosis to identify what the best course of action is based on the findings. In some cases, a biopsy is needed for a diagnosis. If it is malignant and it has not spread to other locations, then surgical removal is recommended. Good luck! Keeping my fingers crossed that it is something benign.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on November 12th, 2017

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be benign or malignant growths. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

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