My older dog has a soft squishy lump on his side. What is it?

Question

I just felt a lump on my dog's side on his ribcage area when he bent his body to lean into me and I was petting him. It appears to be soft and squishy but under the skin/not felt super easily. He is a 9 year-old, about 60 lb husky mix (we think). I'm going to have him seen by a vet ASAP but I am quite concerned. I am seeking any information possible in the mean time, although I know it is impossible to make a diagnosis online. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 9 years old | 64 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

I certainly understand being worried about Beckett! If the lump feels soft and squishy, it could be a lipoma. This is a benign fatty tumor. It could also be a cyst, another type of benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. Unfortunately in older dogs, there is always a chance a lump would be malignant. Having him seen by a vet is the best idea. 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. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

My older dog has a soft squishy lump on his side. What is it?

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