Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Dog has a firm lump on leg. Can I treat it at home? What's vet cost?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Papillon | Male | neutered | 5 years and 9 months old | 12 lbs

He has a firm lump about the size of a pea that has risen to the surface of his skin on his leg. I'm very worried but my family doesn't have the money for another vet appointment, if I took him in how much would it cost for them to remove and test it? Any at home treatments or removal methods, I just don't want to leave it and him get cancer and die. There is no discoloration apart from a slight ashyness and it sticks out not flush with the skin.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Mallori Kaminski, BVSc

Veterinarian

Published on January 23rd, 2017

Lumps can be caused by cysts, abscesses, or tumors, which can be benign or malignant. Unfortunately the only way to diagnose is to take Ptolemy into the vet. The vet will likely start with a fine needle aspirate, where a needle is inserted into the lump and a sample of cells taken to look at under the microscope. This will help determine what the lump is and whether it needs to be removed. Costs vary by area and even clinics, so it pays to call around if you're short on money. Good luck!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Unfortunately, there are no home remedies or removal methods to get rid of this lump on Ptolemy. The cost to have it diagnosed and removed depends on the area you live in, and it will also vary between clinics in your area. At the end of my answer, I can give you some resources that may help you afford a vet. Just so you know, this lump could be a cyst, an abscess, a lipoma, a benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. 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. To help afford a vet, I've attached some websites that provide information on how to afford a vet in Canada. You can also see if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or if your vet will accept payment plans. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html?credit=web http://canada.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/pet-financing-options-1264/ http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ Hope this helps!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 20th, 2019

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Tyson. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian for a procedure known as a fine needle aspirate. The veterinarian will use a small needle to collect a sample of cells to evaluate under the microscope. This will tell you if the mass is cancerous or not. If not, then surgery may not be necessary. If it does need to be removed, then a surgical estimate can be provided for you. I hope this information helps!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 26th, 2016

    If this lump is a fatty tumor it will not have to be removed unless it is bothering Ptolemy. Your veterinarian can take a fine needle aspirate and look at the cells under the microscope and determine whether it is a tumor that needs to be removed. Removal costs vary depending on area, veterinarian, type of anesthesia and size of tumor and difficulty/ease of removing it. I suggest you have your vet examine your dog and then get a written estimate from him. If the estimate is above your means your vet may be able to agree to payments, or you can call around and ask for estimates from other vets.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?
See red spots on your pet? A certified Petco vet discusses common causes like allergies, infections, or mites, guiding you on diagnosis and treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu has a white bump in its fur. Should I take my pet to the vet?
Worried about your pet degu's white pustule? A certified vet discusses this potential skin infection, explains why not to pop it, and guides your next steps.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored