 |
Canine Lumps and
Bumps
|
 |
Common Skin Lumps
Abscesses
An abscess is a localised collection of pus that generally develops in response to infection. These lumps can appear overnight as a result from a bite, thorn or grass seed. The lump is typically warm to the touch and painful and appears as a swollen area with the surrounding skin looking pink or red. This may need lancing and flushing under sedation. Antibiotics on their own will not eradicate an abcess as they must be open and drained to improve.
Lipomas
A lipoma is a benign tumor made up of fatty tissue. They are also known as fatty lumps, and are commonly seen in older dogs and only cause problems if they become very large or are in an awkward place. They are soft to the touch, usually moveable and generally painless. Many lipomas are small (under 1cm in diameter) but can enlarge to sizes greater than 6cm.
Warts
Canine warts are small benign, circular, cauliflower-like growths found anywhere on the body and are actually caused by a virus specific to dogs called Papillomavirus. They usually start small, and are pale and smooth, but grow to become lumpy.
In young dogs these can be viral and disappear after several months. They are highly contagious in younger dogs (usually less than 2 years old), where the inside of the mouth, lips, tongue, eyelids (and sometimes, genitalia) are affected. Once the puppy’s immune system develops and the tumors regress, they are immune for life to re-infection with the virus.
Some older dogs develop multiple warty lesions and skin tags which normally don't cause any problems. However if they become damaged they will bleed profusely and they can become infected. The warts are usually small and solitary and can be found on the head, feet, eyelids and anywhere else on the body.
Cysts
Cysts are "bags" of liquid or semisolid material that are surrounded by a membrane wrapping. They are harmless and tend to come up, burst then go down. They can be removed but more tend to appear.
Fibroma
A Fibroma is an uncommon benign tumour usually found on the legs, groin or sides. Fibromas are benign tumors that are composed of fibrous or connective tissue. A biopsy is needed to determine exact diagnosis. Surgical removal is optional.
Hematoma
This is a localised collection of blood that has leaked out of blood vessels. It often occurs with dogs that have recurrent ear infections through shaking their head or dogs with drop down ears. They appear as firm or fluid filled masses of varying shapes and sizes. De[pending on location and size they may resolve on their own or need drainage.
Histiocytoma
A Histiocytoma is a benign skin tumor, that often spontaneously regresses without treatment. This lump occurs on young dogs and often looks exactly like a squashed fruit pastille. They can disappear after several months but as they can look like tumours, vets usually suggest they should be removed and analysed. Histiocytoma are generally found on the head, ears and limbs.
Fibrosarcoma
Fibrosarcoma is a rapidly growing invasive tumour. It has an irregular shaped nodule that is firm to the touch and has a tendancy to ulcerate. A biopsy is needed to determine an exact diagnosis. Wide margins have to be taken around the site since the tumour is so invasive. This often means removing large masses of muscle and bone. If the tumour is on the leg amputation is recommendened. Surgery may be combined with chemo/radiotherapy.
Lymph Nodes
The lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system. They have several important functions and are good indicators of disease. During a physical examination the external ones can be palpated to determine if they are enlarged. Not a lump as such but a normal feature which can become larger. The most easily felt lymph nodes are in the neck just under the jaw. They can enlarge due to infections, inflammation or cancer, including such things as kennel cough, a tooth abscess, or lymphoma - a common cancer also known as lymphosarcoma.
Mast Cell Tumour
This is a difficult tumour to diagnose and treat as its appearance is very variable. They often appear as round, raised masses in the skin. It is an invasive tumour and can cause problems with wound healing and stomach ulcers. They are more common in some breeds. Extensive surgery is normally required in conjuction with chemo/radio therapy.
The above information is simply
informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a
veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis of your pet.
Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of any
diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.