A Growing Lump on a 14-Year-Old Dog's Back Leg
by Diana
|
|
Because this lump is growing, we'd recommend having it checked soon rather than waiting. A widely used rule from veterinary cancer specialists is to have any lump that is the size of a pea (1 cm) or larger and has been there for a month sampled. Zoe's lump has been there about a month and is growing, so it's due a check.
Many lumps on older dogs are benign, such as fatty lumps, skin tags or cysts. But some lumps on the legs are cancers such as mast cell tumors or soft tissue sarcomas, and you can't tell them apart by looking or feeling. Your vet can usually start with a quick needle sample. If a lump on a leg does need to come off, it's easier to remove completely while it's small, because there isn't much spare skin there.
Until her appointment, measure the lump and take a dated photo so your vet can see how fast it's changing. Go sooner if it grows quickly, bleeds, opens up or she starts limping. If cost is a worry, ask your vet about a payment plan, or look for a low-cost clinic, humane society clinic or veterinary school near you.
See skin cancer in dogs and lumps and bumps on dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
