Lumps and Bumps: When to Worry and What to Do

A guide for pet owners who’ve spotted something new under the fur

It starts innocently enough: you’re giving your dog a belly rub, or stroking your cat under the chin, and there it is—a lump. Maybe it’s tiny, soft, and wobbly. Maybe it’s firm, fast-growing, or seems sore. Either way, it’s easy to worry.

At Kelperland, we see lumps and bumps in pets every week, and thankfully, most of them are not cause for alarm—but some are. The key is knowing when to get it checked, and what to expect if you do.

What Kinds of Lumps Are Common in Pets?

Pets of all ages can develop lumps, but they’re especially common as dogs and cats get older. Some typical examples include:

• Lipomas – Soft, benign (non-cancerous) fatty lumps under the skin. Often harmless and slow-growing.
• Sebaceous cysts – Blocked oil glands that can form small, fluid-filled sacs. May burst or become infected.
• Skin tags – Harmless flaps of skin, often found in older dogs.
• Abscesses – Painful swellings often caused by bites or scratches (especially in outdoor cats).
• Warts or papillomas – Viral growths that usually occur in young dogs and often go away on their own.
• Tumours – Both benign and malignant (cancerous) growths can appear as lumps and may look identical on the outside.

Important note: You can’t tell what a lump is just by looking or feeling. That’s why we always recommend having any new lump assessed by a vet.

What Will the Vet Do If I Book a Lump Check?

Lump checks are typically gentle, and non-invasive. Here’s what we do:

1. Examine the lump’s size, shape, firmness, location and how it behaves when touched.
2. Check for other lumps—sometimes owners spot one, but there are others hiding under fluffier coats.
3. If needed, we may recommend a Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA) – this involves inserting a tiny needle into the lump to collect cells for microscopic examination.

It’s fast, usually well tolerated (no sedation needed), and gives us vital information about what we’re dealing with.

Why Testing Matters

We totally understand the temptation to “wait and see”—especially if the lump doesn’t seem to bother your pet. But some malignant (cancerous) tumours can look completely harmless in the early stages.

Early diagnosis often means:

• Smaller, easier surgery (if removal is needed)
• Less chance of spread
• Better long-term outcomes

In other words, the sooner we know, the better your pet’s chances.

Case Example: Poppy’s Lumpy Shoulder

Poppy, a 10-year-old Labrador, came in for her routine booster. Her owner casually mentioned a soft lump on her shoulder that “had been there for ages.”

We took a fine needle sample during the same visit. It turned out to be a mast cell tumour—a type of cancer that often looks like a harmless lump.

Thankfully, we caught it early. Poppy had surgery at Kelperland and is now doing brilliantly with no sign of recurrence.

What Should I Watch For?

Call us if you notice:

• A new lump—even if it seems small
• A sudden change in an existing lump’s size, shape or texture
• Bleeding, ulceration or discharge
• A lump that’s painful or itchy
• General signs like weight loss, tiredness or loss of appetite alongside a lump

It’s always worth checking—even if it turns out to be nothing to worry about.

Final Word: Don’t Panic—but Don’t Ignore It Either

Most lumps we see are benign—but some aren’t. And you can’t tell the difference without a closer look.

We’re here to guide you through it with gentle hands, clear advice, and practical options—whether that’s reassurance, surgery, or ongoing monitoring.

Spotted a new lump on your pet? Give us a ring on 01628 624935 to book a check-up.