Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog has a new bleeding lump. Is it an emergency or can it wait?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | neutered | 5 years and 9 months old | 14 lbs

6 year old male shih tzu. I know every spot on my dog and haven’t noticed this one. Reached down to pet him and felt large lump. Looked down and was bleeding a lot. I moved hair & found a pea sized grayish thing in the hair around the area. It was soft. I cleaned & cut hair and there is still a large, raised lump in the area. This was not there before. He stays inside & only goes on walks on leash. What could this be? Taking him to vet tomorrow but wonder should I take him to emergency vet now?

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

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

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on July 16th, 2019

You can take him to your vet tomorrow, it's not an emergency. this lump needs to be checked and analysed as there are many conditions and types of tumors that could look like that. take him 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.

Vote icon

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    You can take him to your vet tomorrow, it's not an emergency. this lump needs to be checked and analysed as there are many conditions and types of tumors that could look like that. take him 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.

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Lotus Altholtz

    Veterinarian, Board-Certified Lab Animal Medicine Specialist

    Published on December 29th, 2019

    Waiting for an appointment with your regular vet would be fine if Bruiser is otherwise acting normally/eating /drinking/peeing /pooping normally, not acting lethargic or scratching/biting the bump. Your vet may recommend a fine needle aspirate and cytology you determine whether the growth is benign (possibly a sebaceous cyst, fibropapilloma or warty growth) or if it is a malignant tumor such as a mast cell tumor. If the growth is determined to be malignant, chest x-rays will likely be recommended to rule out spread of the tumor to the lungs before performing pre-anesthetic bloodwork in preparation for removal of the growth. Fingers crossed that it’s a benign growth! Good luck!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on August 10th, 2017

    No as long as Spacatty is otherwise doing well. However, this growth could be either benign or malignant and should be sampled via fine needle aspiration to try to find the exact cause and determine what the next course of action should be. You can contact your veterinarian to check when they can see her in the next few days. Keeping my fingers crossed that she does well!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?
See red spots on your pet? A certified Petco vet discusses common causes like allergies, infections, or mites, guiding you on diagnosis and treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu has a white bump in its fur. Should I take my pet to the vet?
Worried about your pet degu's white pustule? A certified vet discusses this potential skin infection, explains why not to pop it, and guides your next steps.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

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

Book Now

Sponsored