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My dog has a white bump on her chest that's growing. Is it serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Female | spayed | 2 years and 11 months old | 65 lbs

Hello - I have a 2 (almost 3 year old) female golden retriever. I noticed a small white bump on the top of her left front chest/arm area. It didn't seem to be bothering her (no itching/scratching it). Although now it seems to be getting bigger. Is this something to worry about? Attached are two photos: when we noticed it (2/16/21) and today (2/24/21). There is no puss or anything inside it. But the bump is noticeable when petting our dog.

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on February 24th, 2021

Since it has changed size in such a short time, I recommend getting it checked by your vet. She's very young to be developing growths or tumors but it isn't unheard of at her age. Your vet will do an exam, some lab work, probably using a needle to sample some cells from inside the lump to try to identify the kinds of cells inside and therefore what is causing the lump. Based on these results, your vet will be better able to tell you what is going on and how best to proceed from there, if it is benign or needs further investigation.

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 6th, 2018

    Hello. Without a picture, it is really difficult to advise what to do except to see your veterinarian at your next convenience. This does not sound like anything serious, pets can get a variety of lumps, bumps & cysts, very few of which are serious or dangerous. But they should be pointed out to your vet. Just do not do any poking or squeezing as you could invite a pretty good infection if you are not careful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on October 17th, 2017

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These could be benign or malignant growths such as mast cell tumors. It could be an infectious or immune mediated disease though that seems less likely. This is most of the time differentiated with a test called a fine needle aspirate which is easy, cheap and pain-free. Sometimes, a biopsy is required for a diagnosis. Have Selene evaluated by your veterinarian to have this test performed to try to sort out what the diagnosis is so that the best course of action can be determined. Keeping my fingers crossed that it is something benign!

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    Answered By Maria DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 17th, 2018

    Without seeing the bumps it is difficult to say what is going on and what they are. I recommend either uploading a picture to have us see what you are talking about or making an appointment with your veterinarian. You can upload up to 3 pictures when submitting a question. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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