My dog has a hard lump where he got his vaccine. Is it normal?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Male | neutered | 3 years old
Last night, I noticed a hard, oval-shaped lump under Bruce's skin right by one of his shoulder blades. It doesn't seem to bother him at all, and he seems healthy aside from that. I noticed it's in the same place he got his vaccines last week and a few weeks ago. Is this normal, or something to be concerned over?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 21st, 2018
Hi there! I'm sorry to hear about Bruce's lump. Vaccinations can definitely leave behind a small bump at times. If this happens after I vaccinate a dog, I will have the client bring their pet in so I can examine the spot, make sure that it coincides with where I gave the vaccine for sure. If it is something new rather than a lump from the vaccine, it can be addressed accordingly. As long as it is just from the vaccine, then we monitor the spot over the course of a few weeks. If it is a localized inflammatory response to the vaccine, it usually will go away over time. If it persists, some clients will opt to have me remove the tiny lump and test it to make sure it just comes back as an inflammatory response and not something serious. I would definitely call your veterinarian and have Bruce get a quick examination to make sure all is well, and you will likely just monitor the lump going forward. I hope you find this answer helpful. Best of luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on December 15th, 2017
Hi Lee! A lump that big following a vaccine is a little concerning to me. It could be a vaccine reaction or even a pocket of infection (called an abscess). I recommend calling your veterinarian to schedule an appointment for Ernie as soon as possible. He may need a small needle sample taken from the area to determine if any medication is required to treat the reaction. There is a possibility he may need the area drained if a pocket of infection is present. You can try applying a cool pack to the area until you can get to the veterinarian, but I'd encourage you not to wait too long to see the vet. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope Ernie is on the mend soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 15th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes! Injection site granulomas can be seen at the site of vaccination. They are non-painful, moveable but firm and are about the size of a marble at the location of the vaccine. To confirm call your Vet and tell them where it is and ask if a vaccine was given in that location. I have ti most commonly happen with the Rabies vaccine. They do go away on their own with time. Have a great day!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on December 14th, 2017
I would be pretty concerned, As this is pretty big if it has just grown in a week. I would highly encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian soon. This could be an infection, a benign tumor, or even a cancerous tumor. The faster you can find out what it is the more likely it is to be solved. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon! Thank you for using Pet Coach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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