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What is this lump on my dog's belly? Should I take him to the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Male | neutered

Could you give me some advice on what this could possibly be? It’s on my boxer dog (age 7) belly.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. B. DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)

Veterinarian

Published on April 25th, 2019

That looks to be a mass. A mass is a collection of cells which can be benign (inflammation, benign tumor) or a malignant tumor. The only way to know what it is is for your vet to sample it. Typically we start with a needle aspiration for cytology to the lab. In most instances this can help diagnose whether a mass needs to be removed surgically. In some instances needle sampling will not yield a diagnosis and then the options would be removal with biopsy or monitoring. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 30th, 2018

    This looks like a tumor or cyst. Boxers are predisposed to getting mast cell tumors. You should have this examined by your veterinarian as tumors should be removed ASAP. A cyst can be evacuated. Your vet may want to do a fine needle aspirate (he takes some material from the bump with a needle and then looks at it under the microscope) to determine whether the mass is concerning.

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