My dog has a hard lump under his rib and isn't eating. Should I worry?

Question

Left flank under last ribb a hard round 1"by 1" mass , doesn't seam to be painful , he hasn't been eating right. Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Male | unneutered | 12 years and 1 month old | 25 lbs

Makenzie Kurth, DVM · Accepted Answer

I’m sorry to hear about Pete! Unfortunately, I can’t help a whole lot without feeling the lump myself. This could be anything from a benign dermal cyst to bone cancer of the rib. I will say that any 12 year old dog who isn’t eating normally should see the vet sooner rather than later. I always worry for organ dysfunction (liver/kidney/heart disease) and of course cancer. Do yourself a favor and take Pete in for a physical exam to help decide if the lump is important and what else may be going on. Depending of what your vet finds on the physical exam, he or she may recommend bloodwork and/or cytology (poking the mass with a slim needle and looking at the cells under the microscope) to determine if it needs to be removed or just monitored. Hope this helps and best of luck to you and Pete!

My dog has a hard lump under his rib and isn't eating. Should I worry?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?

Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?

My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?

My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?

My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?

Share