My dog has a lump on his tail. What's the next step after antibiotics?

Question

My dog is two years old with no known medical history. Nothing about his behavior or appetite has changed but he has a quarter size lump on his tail. Took him to the vet and did a week of antibiotics with no change, still there. Blood work came out fine. My biggest concern is that it doesn’t bother him so it doesn’t seem like a bite or infection. The vet said the next step would be poking it to get cells but commonly can be inconclusive. Any advice? Super worried, he only two years old. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 2 years and 2 months old | 13 lbs

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

Your vet is correct. You actually have a choice now: a fine needle aspirate where a little tissue is harvested from the lump and then examined to determine what kind of growth this is. Should it be benign, or just inflammatory, treatment would be either benign neglect or treating the inflammation or possible infection. Should it be malignant, then your vet will probably elect to amputate the tail well above the tumor and then this would often be curative depending on the type of tumor. In that case it is actually good that it is in the tail and not somewhere else on the body. Trust your vet, he is on the right track.

My dog has a lump on his tail. What's the next step after antibiotics?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

Why is my new pet biting? Is she stressed or scared in her new home?

My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?

My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?

My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?

Share