Bump On Side Of Dog

by Barbara McFarland
(New York, NY)

Reader Question: What Can Cause A Bump On A Dog's Side?

My 7 year old hound mix, spayed house dog has an odd looking wheal on her side. It is completely round, hard and about 1/16 of an inch high. (The area started as an under the skin, small bump about the size of a pea.) It now is the appearance as described above. The wheal was at first dry and scaly on the flat surface, now it is red on the edge and pink in the center and moist. She is not prone to skin problems, except for fall grass itching which I treat with Benadryl. She has not been exposed to any other animals except her brother dog, and they have their own private area in my yard. Area is approx. 1cm.

Thank you

Barbara McFarland

Veterinarian Answers Reader's Question With Causes For A Bump On The Side Of A Dog

Hi Barbara,

I’m afraid I can’t determine what the mass on your dog might be without first examining her, but a few things that you mentioned in your description are concerning. I don’t like the fact that the mass is growing and that the skin involved is abnormal and changing as time goes on. These are characteristics that are sometimes seen with cancerous lesions, and we can’t ignore this possibility in a seven year old dog.

Remember, I’m NOT saying your dog has cancer, just that the mass has some worrisome characteristics and should be evaluated by a veterinarian sooner rather than later.

Best of luck,

Jennifer Coates, DVM