My Shih Tzu has small, painless lumps. Are they common for the breed?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | unneutered | 4 years old
Hi my shih tzu has got two pea sized lumps, one on his chest and one by his left back leg. They are not painful or tender, he is still eating, drinking and playing like he always does. I'm just a bit worried about them. Is this a common problem with shih tzus do you know?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 30th, 2020
Hello. Dogs can get a variety of cysts & small benign tumors that can be totally normal. Hugo is only 4, so he is quite young to be worried about anything malignant. Still, any new lumps, bumps & nodules should be pointed out to your vet at your next visit. If these 2 lumps should suddenly change by enlarging, changing color, or bleeding, then have them looked at quickly. Otherwise, just monitor them for now. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 6th, 2017
They aren't urgent, but these lumps do need to be checked out by a vet, as any suspicious lumps should be examined. They could be cysts, abscess, or benign tumors. 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 have Princess seen by a vet tomorrow to have these lumps examined and diagnosed so they can be treated as needed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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