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Why does my dog keep getting soft fluid bumps under her skin?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Vizsla | Female | spayed | 8 years and 10 months old | 148 lbs

Sierra, 9 YO Vizsla, has been growing 1 soft, fluid bump under her skin on her right side only, one after another-3 weeks apart. No changes to her diet, energy level, behavior, skin, etc... She has been heathy & is not on medication. Any info would be appreciated.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 6th, 2018

They could be lipomas which are common benign fatty lumps in dogs. The only way to know for sure is to have your vet do a fine needle aspirate and cytology. This is a very simple procedure that is commonly performed. If your vet is not able to get a diagnosis on cytology then removal and biopsy may be recommended.

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

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 3rd, 2019

    It could be but many masses can feel alike. To diagnose skin masses we always start with needle aspiration for cytology. This often readily provides a diagnosis for most masses, including lipomas (fattty tumors). Lipomas don't need treatment in most cases unless growing or impeding mobility. But, surgical removal is typically curative for small masses. Other skin masses may require removal for treatment. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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It could be but many masses can feel alike. To diagnose skin masses we always start with needle aspiration for cytology. This often readily provides a diagnosis for most masses, including lipomas (fattty tumors). Lipomas don't need treatment in most cases unless growing or impeding mobility. But, surgical removal is typically curative for small masses. Other skin masses may require removal for treatment. I hope this helps and thank you for using Boop by Petco!
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I can't seem to find what I'm looking for my dog has approximately 15-20 lumps under his skin some very small and some large some leak and some do not my vet said it was fat packs but I don't know if that's it he just keeps getting more and more of t
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My 6 months old daschund dog has got two lumps symmetrically under skin which cant be seen but by touch and it is normal and lump is movable and soft on touch.
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I certainly understand being worried about Beckett! If the lump feels soft and squishy, it could be a lipoma. This is a benign fatty tumor. It could also be a cyst, another type of benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. Unfortunately in older dogs, there is always a chance a lump would be malignant. Having him seen by a vet is the best idea. 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. Best of luck, I hope this helps!
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Thanks for using Boop by Petco! These could be benign or malignant growths. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!
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