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My dog's neck lump was hard, now mushy. Is it a sting or foxtail?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Doberman Pinscher | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 4 months old | 95 lbs

Hello I am not sure if my dog got stung by a bee or if he got a foxtail but he has a very big ball/lump under his neck and it was hard at first but now it is starting to get mushy. I started him on antibiotics yesterday I just want to make sure it isn't something worse.

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 19th, 2019

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am definitely concerned about things in this location and this amount of swelling. The concern being that this amount of swelling in this area could press on the airways and important vessels. The only way to know for sure what’s going on would be to have your vet sedate him, and try to lance the area. If it’s an abscess, it will have to be opened to drain anyways and then you would continue antibiotics. If it is all firm tissue, it could be a sting, a cancer, or an area of inflammation due to something like a fox tail. Best wishes to you and Flash!

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 5th, 2020

    Hello. It is unlikely this is anything serious, but it always prudent to point out any new lumps, bumps or swellings as soon as possible to your veterinarian. Diagnosis of a cause is usually very easy, & if any treatment is warranted, it can begin quickly. I hope all is well & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 30th, 2017

    Oh no, poor Tax! He could have a cyst or an abscess causing this sudden swelling. I would keep an eye on him tonight, and if it keeps swelling or causing his difficulty breathing, he needs to see a vet immediately. Otherwise, I would have him been by a vet in the morning for this. The vet can diagnose what is causing the swelling, and can treat him for it.

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 18th, 2017

    I would think that is an abscess and there is an infection. It is best to take this baby to the vet to see if it needs to be lanced and drained and flushed out or just antibiotics. make sure he is able to nurse, with that swelling there it can be hard to breath or swallow

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