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My dog has a soft, sudden lump on her leg. What could it be?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 5 years and 3 months old | 70 lbs

My dog has a big lump the size of a ping pong ball on her leg, this has suddenly appeared. It is soft to the touch and doesn't seem to be causing her any problems , but would like to know what it is

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on October 20th, 2017

It may be a fluid filled cyst or a soft tissue mass. You will need to have Mika examined by your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis. A fine needle aspirate can be done in the clinic to collect samples for pathology. Once results are in, you can discuss treatment options with your vet.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 23rd, 2018

    Given Charlie's age, I would be concerned what you are seeing is a growth of some sort, potentially malignant. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump to get a sample of it's cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. I would call your vet in the morning to make an appointment for him to have this lump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated as needed. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 8th, 2016

    The lump on Buddha could be due to a cyst, a lipoma (benign fatty tumor), a malignant tumor (if he is at least middle aged, it's unlikely in a young dog), or a benign tumor. It would be a good idea to have it checked out by a vet, as any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump to get a sample of it's cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. I would take him into the vet tomorrow to have it examined and diagnosed.

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