My dog has a lump on her elbow. Is it serious and what should I do?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on January 21st, 2017

  Poor Poppy! It's sounds serious that this lump was squishy, and has now grown, turned hard, and caused her to limp. It could be this lump is a cyst, a benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. I would rest Poppy tonight, and have her seen by a vet first thing in the morning. Take her out to toilet on a lead only, and bring her right back in when she's done. Keep her confined to a small room or crate tonight to keep her from moving around too much. 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 it's 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 with you.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 10th, 2018

  I wouldn't get too worried over the lump yet but it's something that I would have checked out by a vet. Tiffany could have gotten from an injury, it may be a callous, it could be a benign tumor, or it could be a malignant tumor. 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 it's cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. I would make an appointment for her in the next couple of days to have this lump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated as needed. I hope this helps!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful