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My dog has a lump on its left side. Is it a tumor or something else?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | unspayed | 20 lbs

Lump on dog’s left side?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 17th, 2023

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The photo is taken very far away which makes it difficult to tell what is going on here even with zooming in a bit. This could be a tumor but it could also be a cyst or an abscess. It is best to take Cornelia to your vet so they can do an in-person examination. They will be able to advise you better as to what it may be. Something like this is extremely difficult to "diagnose" via a photo. It really needs to be seen and felt in person. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 29th, 2019

    Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on the picture, this swelling could be a lymph node or abscess / cyst. I would recommend having Kita examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. It is difficult to say for sure what the problem is just by looking at he photo. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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    Answered By Dr. Kristin DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 27th, 2018

    I'm not sure if you tried to attach photos, but if so, nothing came through so you might want to try again. A swelling on the side of the face could be a few things depending on the location. It could be an abscess from a wound or bad tooth, an enlarged lymph node, an insect sting, or a tumor. Your veterinarian can perform a fine needle aspirate, where cells are collected with a needle and examined under a microscope. By identifying the type of cells, your veterinarian can make a diagnosis and start appropriate treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 28th, 2018

    This looks like an infection to me, probably related to her skin folds. you need to take her to the vet to get it checked and treated as soon as possible, this will likely require antibiotic treatment.

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