Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog has a hard, crusty, fast-growing neck lump. Should I worry?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered

Hi there! We recently found a growth on the back of our dog’s neck. It’s pink towards the base, then gets white and crusty towards the top, and it feels very hard. It seems to be growing quickly! Any idea what this is? Should we be concerned? He is only 2.5 yrs old. Thank you!

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 23rd, 2018

Given Champ's age, this lump is most likely to be some type of benign tumor, but there is a always a chance it could be malignant. It could also be a cyst. Given that it seems to be growing quickly, I would have him seen by a vet for it. 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 would have him seen by a vet in the next couple of days to have the lump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated as needed. Good luck, I hope this helps!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hi, I have found a weird looking lump on my dogs neck. Its pink and scaly and slightly bumpy and is protruding from her face, no bigger than a 5 cent coin. She's a border collie cross Irish wolfhound and is roughly 5 years old. She is an outside dog
Any lump is a cause of concern because there is always a chance it could be a malignant tumor in a middle aged dog. It could also be a cyst or a benign tumor. 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 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 would have Lucy seen by a vet first thing Monday to have the lump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated as needed.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog had a bump on his neck. It burst a couple of times and has since tripled in size and part of it is now black. It doesn’t seem to bother him but it is scary to look at. What is this and is it life threatening? What is the treatment for this? H
This lump on Johnstamos (LOVE his name!) could be a cyst, a benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. Because it has tripled in size, that does make it concerning. 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. As for the scabby and crusty ears, those could be due to an ear infection or allergies. Give his vet a call to make him an appointment to have both these things checked out. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Just noticed my dog has a red lump on his neck. It wasn’t like this yesterday. I did feel a bump when I was petting him a few days ago but today I noticed this red bump. Not sure if I should bring him to a vet or not.
I see what you mean about the red lump on Charlie's neck. It could be a cyst, a benign growth, or potentially a malignant growth if he's an older dog. 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. Give his vet a call in the morning to make him an appointment. Best of luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
This growth appeared on my 8 yr old Beagle mix about 2 months ago It has grown from a small bump to this nasty looking growth on his side. I've been watching it and can't tell if it's still growing. He doesn't lick it or act like it bothers him unles
This growth needs to be checked and analysed as there are many conditions and types of tumors that could look like that. take Boss to the vet, they will perform a fine needle aspiration on the growth and send it to the lab for analysis. when the result comes, the vet will advise what needs to be done according to the diagnosis.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog had a red bump on her face then come the next day it was brown/black in color and crusty. Should I assume it's a wart or bring her straight the vet?
I would have Jane seen by a vet. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. This could be a wart, but it could also be a benign tumor or a malignant tumor. 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 would have her seen Monday or Tuesday :-)
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hi, A few weeks ago I have noticed that my dog started to develope a small lump on the side of her neck. The doc said it was nothing to worry about however after a few weeks it has grown and has become black and crusty. It has grown a little in size
It is possible this could be a cyst. Cysts can decrease in size, especially if the vet used a needle to aspirate fluid from the cyst. They do not, however, usually go away completely and will often fill back up. In some cases, these cysts will rupture and can cause pain or result in infection, so the best course if it seems to be causing problems is to remove it surgically.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog had this growth pop up about 2 months ago, and now its grown by quite a lot. I have no idea what it is, and I am in a tough spot financially. Can you offer some advice?
This lump/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 (very unlikely given the age). I can say it looks like a benign skin tumor papilloma-like, but unfortunately only a check up can give you a final verdict. 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!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Is something wrong here? My dog normally has a wilder bump there but it seems to have gotten bigger.
That is concerning, and in a dog Happy's age, that can be caused by something serious like a malignant tumor. 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. Give his vet a call to make him an appointment.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
MY 10 YEAR OLD SHIH TZU HAS A LARGE LUMP THE SIZE OF A GOLF BALL HANGING UNDER HIS NECK. IT HAS WENT AWAY AND NOW HAS COME BACK. EVERY ONE KEEPS SAYING THAT IT IS JUST A FATTY TUMOR BUT I AM NOT CONVINCED. HE ACTS LIKE NOTHING IS WRONG AND EATS LIKE
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!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
1.5 yr old dog, found a flat feeling lump on shoulder last month, seems to be getting larger. What is this lump likely to be?
In a young dog, this lump is likely a cyst, a lipoma, or benign tumor. Any suspicious lump should be examined by a vet. The vet can do a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a needle into the lump to get a sample of its cells, and examines them under the microscope. It's relatively quick to do, and usually painless for the dog. Given that it's been growing larger, I would have your dog examined by a vet tomorrow.
Updated on September 24th, 2025

Related Searches

Dog Supplies Dog Food Dog Health & Wellness Dog Treats & Chews Prescription Shampoo for Dogs Dog Medicine and Prescriptions Antifungal Medication for Dogs Dog Thyroid Medication & Hormone Care Dog Vitamins & Supplements Dog Skin & Coat Supplements Churu Skin & Coat Dermalone Dog Medicine and Prescriptions DOG by Dr Lisa Dermalone Antifungal Medication for Dogs Virbac Prescription Shampoo for Dogs Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Dog Health & Wellness Betagen Prescription Shampoo for Dogs Natural Dog Company Chlorpheniramine Dog Medicine and Prescriptions Septiderm Dog Grooming Supplies
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored