My senior Lab has a soft lump on his chest and neck. Is it serious?

Question

I have an 8 year old, male lab. In the past two weeks I have notice a rather large, soft bubble, in his upper breast bone, sternum, neck, It fits in my hand. Today I have noticed he is sore/sensitive in his neck, close to his ear. He is active, eats well, and for the most part, is healthy. Is this something I should be concerned about, and can you give me an idea as to what it could be? Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 8 years and 6 months old | 70 lbs

Rodrigo Roca, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello, sorry to hear about Pounder. It sounds as though that lump may be a fatty tumor especially if it is not painful, firm, or hot to the touch. Other causes may include a malignant tumor which may need to be further assessed. The best way to obtain a diagnosis on benign vs a malignant mass is to get a needle aspirate of it and look at the cells under a microscope. Sometimes, a biopsy may also be necessary to obtain a diagnosis. The mass may be associated with his ear sensitivity, although, him being a lab, I would be suspicious of a separate issue with his ear such as an ear infection. Since Pounder is otherwise eating and drinking ok, I would recommend scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian at your best convenience to have his mass and ears looked at. Unfortunately, Labs are notorious for getting cancer and I would not recommend just monitoring this mass. Best of luck and hope this helps!

My senior Lab has a soft lump on his chest and neck. Is it serious?

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