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My dog has a swollen lump on her neck. Can she still exercise?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 40 lbs

I think my dog developed a salivary cyst overnight. She does not seem to be in pain or unable to drink/eat/breath. Is it unwise to play ball with her in the park while the cyst is inflammed/swollen?

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

Veterinarian

Published on July 22nd, 2020

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It could be a salivary cyst but abscesses in this area are much more common. Please, take Martha to your local vets to confirm the diagnosis and to start treatment for her. If it is an abscess, Martha will need a course of antibiotics and possibly lancing of the abscess. If it is salivary gland cyst, your vet will likely recommend surgery as conservative treatment for salivary cysts does not provide satisfactory results.

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5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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