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What is this black lump growing on my senior dog's back?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 9 years and 5 months old

I have found a black lump on my dogs back, it feels and looks like a black olive, it is about 1 inch wide under skin and half an inch above the skin, it has been getting.bigger very slowly, can you advise please, my dog.os.10 years old and is a German shepherd and lab cross. Thanks.Lorraine

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 25th, 2019

It sounds like this is some kind of skin growth. Dogs can develop melanomas of the skin along with many other benign growths. I would recommend having your vet take a look - they might recommend taking a sample with a small needle to determine what this might be, or they might recommend going ahead and removing it.

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 8th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Brady is adorable! Many skin bumps can look the same. It could be a skin tag, a benign pigmented mass or melanoma. It's hard to see the location, but be sure it isn't a nipple. I would watch it for increased growth. If it starts to grow I would see if your Vet could remove it with lidocaine and a punch biopsy awake. I hope this helps and I wish Brady the best!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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