My young Boston Terrier has a hard, movable neck lump. Should I worry?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Boston Terrier | Male | neutered | 2 years and 10 months old | 24 lbs
I noticed tonight that my Boston Terrier has a hard lump on his neck that is about the size of a ping pong ball, and I can move it a little. He is not yet three years old, and he has not seemed to have any changes to his personality, eating habits, drinking, or bathroom. He has even been playing with us as normal. I just wanted to check if this is something I should be concerned about? Apologies as well for the picture, it's not something that can be seen easily.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 30th, 2021
Hello. The lump is in the area of a lymph node, but it could also be a salivary gland enlargement or even a simple abscess. Any new or unusual lumps or bumps need to be thoroughly evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. I would call your veterinarian at your earliest convenience to have this looked at. Your veterinarian will probably insert a needle to draw out a sample of cells to be examined under a microscope. Hopefully, nothing significant will be found, but you do not want to chance waiting to see what happens. Best of luck to you & Gus & thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on September 4th, 2016
If they are in the same place on either side of her neck, I would be concerned that they may be swollen or enlarged lymph nodes - this can indicate an infection or illness of some kind, or can be caused by certain types of cancer such as lymphoma. The lumps could also be abscesses, or some type of tumor. I would recommend having Lexi examined by a vet as soon as you can - he/she can do a simple test called a fine needle aspirate to find out for sure what the lumps are, and will make recommendations for what to do next depending on the results.
10Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 13th, 2018
Yes, I would be concerned. Without seeing a vet, you can't know for sure if this lump is a lipoma. In a 10 year old dog, there is always a concern that any lump could be malignant. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. 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 its 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 of the lump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options if needed. I would call the vet today to make an appointment for him to be seen. I hope this helps!
6Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 23rd, 2017
It is hard to tell from the photo exactly but I am worried about the location of the lump. Dogs have lymph nodes in that area than can become enlarged with lymphoma :( I'm not trying to scare you but that is one possibility. Of course there are other things that it could be: reactive lymph node (not cancer but just inflamed), fatty tumor (benign), cyst, abscess. Your vet will certainly be able to give you a better idea after an exam but be prepared that some testing may be needed. Namely, a fine needle aspirate of the lump and some bloodwork. That will probably be the start. I hope this helps. Best wishes to you and Marv. I hope it is something easy.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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