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Should I worry about hard black lumps on my dog's ear and belly?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 49 lbs

My dog has a hard black lump on the inside of her ear. It's not massively bothering her but it is quite big. Last night we also found a similar smaller lump on her belly near her back leg. I am going to book a Vets appointment but was wondering if you had any idea what it could be and should I be worried. She is a rescure mixed breed (beagle/staff/lab possibly others) and around 8 years old x

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 16th, 2019

Any lumps/bumps that you notice on your dog should be checked out by your vet so I'm glad you are planning a vet visit. Lumps are usually one of these things: * abscess * cyst * tumor/cancer There is no way I can tell you what it is just by looking at a photo but I have a suspicion it is a tumor of some sort; may be benign or malignant. Your vet will be able to tell you more after the exam.

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7Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 28th, 2020

    Hi, and thanks for your question. Although a picture of it would help to give you a more specific answer, this lump/bump/growth should be ideally examined by your local vet to have a diagnosis established. Your vet may want to perform an FNA (fine needle aspiration) or a biopsy to sample the bump and determine its underlying nature. Differentials would include skin cysts, infections, benign or more malignant type of tumors. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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