Dog chest lump: Abscess vs. tumor? What are the behavioral signs?

Question

Hi. What is the difference between an abscess and a tumour in the chest behaviours wise for a dog. Would one be painful or causing discomfort. I am reluctant to put yogi through anymore procedures as he suffers for days after being put under and is very comfortable and happy now. He is eating, going out for walks and enjoying his life. This mass in his chest is 10 cm and he also has nodules in his lungs and liver. I know the 2 diagnosis will have a different outcome and treatment. Thank you. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | 9 years and 10 months old | 99 lbs

Jessica Keay, DVM · Accepted Answer

I am sorry to hear about Yogi. With your description of nodules in the lungs and liver, I would be much more suspicious of cancer unfortunately than an abscess. A dog with an abscess may have a fever, but cancer can also cause a fever. The lesions could both cause difficulty breathing or discomfort. You can ask your vet to send any imaging they have done to a radiologist for a review and they may be able to give an opinion based on the images of the potential causes.

Dog chest lump: Abscess vs. tumor? What are the behavioral signs?

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