You should arrange a veterinary check-up if you notice a new lump on your dog or cat, especially if it grows, changes shape, is hard or fixed in place, causes pain, bleeds, becomes ulcerated or reappears after being removed. Although many lumps are benign, their appearance or texture does not allow us to determine with certainty what they are.
Lumps may be caused by cysts, inflammation, abscesses, accumulations of fat, reactions to insect bites or injections, and various types of tumours. It is therefore safest to request a Veterinary examination of a lump in Benissa to examine it and decide whether you need a smear test, a biopsy or other tests.
It is not advisable to wait until the lump grows in size. An early assessment facilitates diagnosis and, if removal is required, can enable treatment to be planned before the mass affects nearby tissues or becomes more difficult to remove.
Warning signs in a lump on a dog or cat
It is always a good idea to have any new lump checked, but it is particularly important to seek medical advice if you notice any of the following changes:
- It grows rapidly or increases in size gradually.
- It changes shape, colour, texture or consistency.
- It is hard, irregular or appears to be attached to deep tissues.
- It bleeds, oozes, becomes ulcerated or forms a wound that won’t heal.
- It causes pain, itching or discomfort when touched.
- Your pet repeatedly licks, scratches or bites the area.
- It disappears and reappears, or changes size.
- It interferes with walking, eating, breathing, urinating or passing stools.
- Several lumps appear, or the lymph nodes swell.
- It is accompanied by weight loss, listlessness, loss of appetite or a fever.
It is also advisable to have any lumps in the mouth, breasts, fingers, around the eyes, on the genitals or near the anus checked as soon as possible, as they can affect important functions even when they are still small.
How can you tell if a lump is benign or malignant?
It is not possible to tell for certain simply by touching or looking at it. Some benign lumps may grow, and certain malignant lesions may appear small, soft or mobile in their early stages.
The animal’s age, rate of growth and location help to guide the assessment, but a diagnosis usually requires the examination of cells or tissue. Therefore, one should not assume that a soft mass is simply fat, nor that a small lump is insignificant.
One of the first tests that may be recommended is the veterinary cytology of lumps and masses. This technique involves obtaining cells using a fine needle and examining them under a microscope to distinguish between inflammatory, infectious, cystic or tumour-related processes.
What is a cytology test for a lump?
Fine-needle aspiration cytology involves inserting a thin needle into the lump to collect a small sample of cells. It is usually a quick, minimally invasive and well-tolerated test, although some patients may require sedation if the area is painful or difficult to reach.
Cytology can help guide the diagnosis of lipomas, cysts, abscesses, inflammation and various tumours. However, some masses do not release enough cells, or it may be necessary to examine the entire structure of the tissue. In such cases, the vet may recommend a biopsy.
A pre-operative cytological analysis also helps to better plan any necessary surgery, as the type of lesion can influence the amount of tissue that needs to be removed and the additional tests required.
When might a biopsy be necessary?
A biopsy involves taking a sample of tissue or removing the lump for histopathological analysis. It may be recommended when cytology is inconclusive, there is a suspicion of malignancy, the lump is growing or ulcerated, or when it is necessary to determine the exact type and behaviour of the lesion.
When removal is being considered, the department of veterinary surgery to remove lumps and tumours It enables the location, size, required margins and the patient’s general condition to be assessed prior to the procedure.
It is important not to remove a tumour without first planning how it will be analysed. Histopathological examination of the excised tissue can confirm the diagnosis and provide relevant information about the surgical margins.
What other tests might be recommended in addition to a smear test?
The tests depend on the type of lump, its location and the results of the smear test or biopsy. The vet may recommend:
- Comprehensive survey and mass measurement.
- Fine-needle aspiration cytology.
- Biopsy and histopathology.
- Blood tests before sedation or surgery.
- Ultrasound scan to investigate internal or abdominal masses.
- X-rays or CT scans to assess deep-seated structures.
- Examination of lymph nodes or other areas where necessary.
The veterinary blood tests They enable the patient’s general condition to be assessed and allow for the safer preparation of sedation, anaesthesia or a surgical procedure.
If the lump is inside the abdomen or affects deep tissues, a veterinary ultrasound in Benissa It can help to determine its location, size and relationship to other organs.
When a tumour is confirmed or suspected, an assessment of veterinary oncology for dogs and cats It enables us to assess the case, carry out the necessary tests and draw up a personalised plan.
How to monitor a lump at home
Make a note of the date you first noticed the lump and its exact location. You can take a photo of it next to a ruler and repeat this from the same angle at regular intervals to check whether it changes in size, colour or appearance.
Avoid squeezing, pricking, massaging or applying ointments without veterinary advice. Handling the area may cause pain, inflammation, bleeding or infection, and makes it impossible to determine the nature of the injury.
Monitoring at home is no substitute for a veterinary examination. Even if the lump does not appear to be growing, it is advisable to mention it at your next check-up and to bring the appointment forward if there are any changes.
When to make an appointment in Benivet Benissa
Make an appointment if you notice a new lump on your dog or cat, even if it is small and does not seem to be causing any pain. You should seek an examination sooner if the lump grows, changes, bleeds, becomes ulcerated, is fixed in place, reappears or is accompanied by changes in your pet’s general condition.
At Benivet Benissa, we can examine the lesion and assess whether it requires a smear test, a biopsy, imaging tests, follow-up or surgical treatment. Analysing the mass allows us to make decisions based on its nature and not solely on its appearance.
If you have noticed a lump on your dog or cat and you live in Benissa, Calpe or the Marina Alta, you can contact Benivet Benissa to book a veterinary check-up.
Benivet Benissa
Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa
Tel. +34 622 325 271
Email: info@benivetbenissa.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-18:30 - Sat 10:00-13:00
