My dog has lumps. Do I need an urgent vet visit while traveling?

Question

Merlin has 2 lumps: 1. On the base of his throat/chest; 2. Left side near groin. He had one removed 9 years ago. Biopsy showed not cancer, but not benign. We are currently in Costa Rica, does he need to be seen right away or can we wait until we return home in February? Pet's info: Dog | Alaskan Malamute | Male | neutered | 12 years and 2 months old | 95 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Given Merlin's age, cancer is always a possibility, and it would be best if he is seen right away by a vet. 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 have him taken to a vet first thing in the morning to have these lumps diagnosed so the vet can decide a treatment course for him.

My dog has lumps. Do I need an urgent vet visit while traveling?

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