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My dog has a bothersome lump on her chest. When should I see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Female | spayed | 12 years and 11 months old | 60 lbs

My dog has a large mass on the right side of her chest/rib cage area it seems to be slightly bothersome. Help?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 28th, 2017

Poor Akasha. Unfortunately, in a senior dog, there is always a possibility that this growth is malignant. It could also be a cyst or a benign 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 Akasha seen by a vet tomorrow to have this lump examined and diagnosed, and then the vet can discuss treatment options.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 28th, 2019

    Hello. Any new lumps & bumps, especially on an older pet, really will require a hands on exam to see if there is anything to worry about. How it feels, how it moves under the skin, is it loose or firmly attached, is there still hair or is it alopetic ( hairless ) & is the skin, red, irritated or ulcerated all give clues. The best diagnosis ( besides removal & histopathology ) is a simple procedure called a fine needle aspirate. This can be performed in your veterinarians office, rarely requires sedation & your vet can remove a few cells, stain them & look at the sample almost immediately. If unusual cells are seen, then removal will be recommended. If it is truly just a cyst, then a benign approach to monitor may be all that is necessary. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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