My dog keeps getting lumps and bumps!
If you have an old furry friend, you might have noticed a new bulge under the skin here or a little blip there. Pets, just like us, can develop lumps for various reasons. The good news is that many of these lumps are harmless, like fatty deposits (called lipomas), but sometimes, they can be more serious, like cancers. And here's the tricky part – not even the most experienced vet can diagnose a lump based on looks alone. Each lump, big or small, needs a little investigation, usually with a needle or tissue biopsy, to find out exactly what it is.
Ideally, we’d love to check out every new lump or any changes to existing ones as soon as they appear. But we know that’s not always practical. We also know that, during consultations, it's tough to go through every inch of your pet's fur, especially if they have thick or long coats.
This is where you, as a pet owner, become a vital part of the team. By regularly checking your pet’s skin at home, you can help us catch changes early. This gives us the best chance to assess and treat any issues before they become bigger problems.
How You Can Help Monitor Your Pet's Skin
Create a Routine: Make it part of your day – maybe when you're grooming your pet or even just relaxing on the couch. Running your hands over your pet’s body not only feels good for them, but it also helps you notice any bumps, lumps, or thickened areas that feel different.
Check Everywhere: Don’t forget the less obvious spots, like under their collar, between their toes, behind the ears, and in the armpits and groin. Lumps can hide in these spots, so a little extra attention goes a long way.
Keep a Record: Found a lump? Note its size, shape, and location. A photo with a ruler or coin for scale can be super helpful. Even better, if you’ve got a pair of callipers from your local hardware or dollar shop, they can help you get precise measurements. Keeping track helps you see if anything changes over time, and it’s a big help for your vet too. You can even use a body map to mark the spots.
Report Changes Promptly: If you spot a lump changing in size, shape, or texture, or if new ones pop up, don’t wait until your next routine visit. Give your vet a call and get it checked out. Early action can make all the difference.
What to Expect at the Vet
If you bring your pet in for a lump check, we’ll likely perform a fine needle aspiration (FNA). This quick and minimally invasive procedure lets us take a tiny sample of cells from the lump to figure out whether it’s something to worry about or not.
Remember, early detection of any unusual growths can have a big impact on your pet's health, especially when it comes to serious conditions like cancer. We vets are here to help, but we also rely on you to keep an eye on things between visits. You’re the first line of defence in keeping your pet healthy and happy!