Found a Lump on Your Pet? Here’s When to See a Vet

Veterinarian gently examining a lump on a border collie dog during urgent care visit.

Finding a lump or bump on your dog or cat can be alarming — but not every lump is cause for panic. Pets, like people, can develop harmless growths as they age, including fatty tumors (lipomas), warts and cysts. However, some lumps can signal something more serious.

Knowing when to be concerned—and what to do next—is key to keeping your pet healthy.

At Ally Urgent Veterinary Care, serving Chesapeake, Virginia Beach and Northeastern North Carolina, we know that early detection can save lives. While some lumps are harmless, certain signs may indicate a need for urgent evaluation.

Signs a Lump May Need Veterinary Attention

Contact your veterinarian if the lump:

  • Is larger than a pea
  • Is growing quickly
  • Interferes with movement, eating or play
  • Is painful or sensitive to touch
  • Is oozing, bleeding or ulcerating

It is important not to self-diagnose. Even experienced pet owners cannot determine whether a mass is benign or malignant without veterinary testing. Our advice? Schedule an exam if you notice something new, unusual or changing.

What to Expect During a Veterinary Visit

If you bring your pet to Ally Urgent Veterinary Care for a lump evaluation, here is what typically happens:

  • A physical exam: We examine and measure the lump, take photos and record important details.

  • Sampling: We may perform a fine-needle aspirate (FNA) or recommend a biopsy to identify the lump’s cellular makeup.

  • Referral (If needed): If cancer is suspected, we will connect you with a trusted veterinary oncologist or specialty hospital for advanced diagnostics and further care.

  • Why it matters: A structured, timely approach means less delay–and more options–for your pet’s care.

Not all Cancers Start with a Visible Lump

It is also important to keep an eye out for additional signs, including:

  • Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
  • Non-healing wounds or sores
  • Bleeding or discharge from the mouth, nose or other openings
  • Difficulty urinating, defecating or breathing
  • Persistent lameness or stiffness
  • Sudden changes in behavior or energy levels

When in Doubt, Get It Checked Out

Most lumps in pets are not life-threatening—but prompt veterinary evaluation is key. Early detection and treatment can make all the difference. If you notice any of these changes, schedule an exam. Whether your pet has a simple cyst or something more serious, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Serving Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Northeastern North Carolina, Ally Urgent Veterinary Care is your trusted partner in urgent pet health concerns. Questions? Call us at 757-900-ALLY (2559) or visit allyurgentvet.com/check-in to “check-in” online.

Found a Lump on Your Pet? Here’s When to See a Vet

Veterinarian gently examining a lump on a border collie dog during urgent care visit.

Finding a lump or bump on your dog or cat can be alarming — but not every lump is cause for panic. Pets, like people, can develop harmless growths as they age, including fatty tumors (lipomas), warts and cysts. However, some lumps can signal something more serious.

Knowing when to be concerned—and what to do next—is key to keeping your pet healthy.

At Ally Urgent Veterinary Care, serving Chesapeake, Virginia Beach and Northeastern North Carolina, we know that early detection can save lives. While some lumps are harmless, certain signs may indicate a need for urgent evaluation.

Signs a Lump May Need Veterinary Attention

Contact your veterinarian if the lump:

  • Is larger than a pea
  • Is growing quickly
  • Interferes with movement, eating or play
  • Is painful or sensitive to touch
  • Is oozing, bleeding or ulcerating

It is important not to self-diagnose. Even experienced pet owners cannot determine whether a mass is benign or malignant without veterinary testing. Our advice? Schedule an exam if you notice something new, unusual or changing.

What to Expect During a Veterinary Visit

If you bring your pet to Ally Urgent Veterinary Care for a lump evaluation, here is what typically happens:

  • A physical exam: We examine and measure the lump, take photos and record important details.

  • Sampling: We may perform a fine-needle aspirate (FNA) or recommend a biopsy to identify the lump’s cellular makeup.

  • Referral (If needed): If cancer is suspected, we will connect you with a trusted veterinary oncologist or specialty hospital for advanced diagnostics and further care.

  • Why it matters: A structured, timely approach means less delay–and more options–for your pet’s care.

Not all Cancers Start with a Visible Lump

It is also important to keep an eye out for additional signs, including:

  • Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
  • Non-healing wounds or sores
  • Bleeding or discharge from the mouth, nose or other openings
  • Difficulty urinating, defecating or breathing
  • Persistent lameness or stiffness
  • Sudden changes in behavior or energy levels

When in Doubt, Get It Checked Out

Most lumps in pets are not life-threatening—but prompt veterinary evaluation is key. Early detection and treatment can make all the difference. If you notice any of these changes, schedule an exam. Whether your pet has a simple cyst or something more serious, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Serving Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Northeastern North Carolina, Ally Urgent Veterinary Care is your trusted partner in urgent pet health concerns. Questions? Call us at 757-900-ALLY (2559) or visit allyurgentvet.com/check-in to “check-in” online.

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