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My dog has a squishy lump on his side. Is it serious? What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Beagle | Male | 1 year and 11 months old | 130 lbs

Well I was relaxing at home with my dog ,I noticed a buldge on his right side of his lower side. At first I thought it was just fast but it was very squishy and he doesn't like me touching it . While squishing it, it feels as if there's something in the middle . I'm very worried and I'm not sure what to do , could this be something serious like Google Warned me about?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 15th, 2018

This lump on Oliver could be a cyst, an abscess, a lipoma (benign fatty tumor), or another type of benign tumor. In a dog his age, it would be rare for it to be malignant. Regardless, this is something that should be checked out 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'd make an appointment with the vet for him on Monday to have this lump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated as needed. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Lauren M. Jones, VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 8th, 2017

    The soft, squishy and warm lump that you've noticed on Bruce's side could be due to an abscessed wound, cyst, or a benign or malignant mass. Bruce should take a trip to his vet, particularly if this lump has grown or changed rapidly. The vet will be able to use a needle to draw out some cells to examine them microscopically, if needed. From there, he may need a course of antibiotics or surgical removal of this lesion. If he is licking at this lesion, put an e-collar ( http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=20390 ) on him to prevent further skin irritation. I hope that all goes well!

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Yes, I would be concerned. Without seeing a vet, you can't know for sure if this lump is a lipoma. In a 10 year old dog, there is always a concern that any lump could be malignant. 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 its cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. Once the cause of the lump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options if needed. I would call the vet today to make an appointment for him to be seen. I hope this helps!
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Although a picture of it would help to give you more specific answers, this growth should be ideally examined by your veterinarian to have a definitive diagnosis. Your vet will examine it and possibly perform with an FNA (fine needle aspiration) or a biopsy. Differentials would include skin cyst, infections or benign or malignant type of tumors. From your description this mass could be a lipoma ( a benign type of tumor, coming from fat tissue). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
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