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My senior dog has a leaking grapefruit-sized lump. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | unspayed | 13 years and 1 month old

I have a lab/Shepard mix. She is 13 yrs old took her to her vet who ran a full work up an said she is in awesome health for being 13. She didnt know what the lump was but it is the size of a grapefruit. It is her left leg by her tail. The vet recommended a surgeon so I went all he was worried about was the money. Now the grapefruit is leaking clear sticky fluid an it looks like the center is coming out. I clean it an massage it squeeze it to get the liquid out. Can you please help I'm a senio

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 20th, 2018

It could be that Lady has a cyst causing this lump. In a senior dog, it could also be a malignant tumor or a benign tumor. Without seeing her in person, I can't say for certain. If your vet sent her to a surgeon, then I would suspect that your vet believes it needs to be removed. I'm sorry you felt this surgeon was only worried about money, so I'd suggest speaking to your vet about a referral to another surgeon to get this lump diagnosed and possibly removed. It sounds like it's quite large if it's grapefruit size, and if it continues to grow, it could affect her ability to walk. In addition, if it is malignant, it needs to be removed as soon as possible. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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