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My dog has a raised lump on his tail near his back. Should I worry?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered

Hi My dog has a large lump on his tail just where his back meets his tail. It is quite raised and is about the size of a 10 cent piece.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 26th, 2017

This lump on Alfie could be a cyst, an abscess, 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. I would have Alfie seen by a vet tomorrow to have this lump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated as needed.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 19th, 2018

    Without seeing this lump in person, there is no way I can say what it causing it or how to treat it. It could be a cyst, an abscess, 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. I recommend giving the vet a call in the morning to make an appointment to have this lump examined, diagnosed, and treated. Best of luck.

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