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My dog has a hard, grape-sized lump on his hind leg. What is it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 5 years and 10 months old | 35 lbs

We’ve just discovered a small grape-sized place on the lower right hind leg of our dog Simba. It’s hard, moves a little with manipulation, is uncomfortable for him when we touch it, the skin isn’t red or hot with fever, & there isn’t a “head” on the skin. He has been acting normal, has a good appetite, doesn’t appear to “favor” this leg when running & playing, & doesn’t try to bite at the place. We are very concerned about what it could be...a cyst, small tumor, or something else.

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1 Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 22nd, 2018

You are correct that this lump on Simba could be a cyst, a benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. The only way to know for sure is to have him seen by a vet for it, and I'd recommend giving your vet a call on Monday to set up an appointment for him. 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 it's 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 the lump is found, the vet can discuss treatment options with you. Because it is uncomfortable for him when you touch, having him seen next week sometime is best. I hope this helps!

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