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My unspayed female dog has a painful stomach lump. What's next?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | unspayed | 15 years and 1 month old | 12 lbs

I found a lump on my dogs stomach yesterday she only yelps if I touch it she has never had pups

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on February 3rd, 2018

Masses or tumors of the mammary glands are very common in unspayed female dogs. 50% of these tumors are benign, which also means that 50% are malignant or cancerous. I would encourage you to have her evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. You may want to discuss the risks and benefits to surgery at her age. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 21st, 2017

    Oh my, Latte's lump is huge! I see that she isn't spayed, and spayed dogs are prone to developing mammary tumors. My concern would be that she has a mammary tumor, and 50% of these mammary tumors will be malignant. Latte needs to see a vet for this lump. If she does have a malignant mammary tumor, it will need to be removed surgically and she will need to have her local lymph nodes tested to see if the cancer has spread. Please take her into a vet as soon as possible. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 4th, 2019

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding the dog. There appears to be an extremely large mass growing from the abdomen. You will need to see a veterinarian to determine if is a benign growth or a potentially cancerous mass. I hope this information helps!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 13th, 2019

    I would be extremely worried. I see that Foxy isn't spayed, and I would be very concerned this could be mammary tumors. There is a 50% chance these are malignant. I do not think she can wait until Monday to see the vet. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.

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