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My dog has a sudden lump on her leg. What is it and is it serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Beagle | Female | unspayed | 8 years and 3 months old

Hi, this lump had appeared almost overnight on my dogs leg. Any idea what it might be and if it's dangerous?

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 29th, 2017

Many lumps present similarly (ie: look the same grossly) so it is hard to say what any lump is just by looking at it. That being said, it appears to be a histiocytoma at first glance but those are normally seen in much younger dogs. The other option that comes to mind right away is mast cell tumor. Of course there are many types of tumors/masses that dogs can get - those are not the only two types. I would suggest you get Dory to your vet to have that lump examined. Your vet may need to test it (fine needle aspirate) to determine what kind it is. I don't think it is an emergency but I try to get her in for an exam in the next few days. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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