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My dog has a firm, golf ball-sized lump on his elbow. What is it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | unneutered | 11 years and 10 months old | 73 lbs

My dog has a lump on the back of one of his front right elbow, I first saw it yesterday when I got up it was fairly large slightly bigger than a golf ball, today its become fairly firm but can still move it, my puppy tends to nip at his legs as I was wondering if it's an inflammation from that or another kind of mass like a tumour or lipoma?

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1 Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on January 11th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This could also be a hygroma. 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 him 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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