Lumps In Pets
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Lumps are likely to develop at some point in your pet’s life, especially in dogs. Finding a lump under the skin is a concern warranting examination
Gateway Veterinary Centre is a full-service canine and feline hospital in the heart of South Edmonton. Please call or text us below to schedule an appointment
What Are Lumps?
Lumps or masses are likely to develop at some point in your pet’s life, especially in dogs. Finding a lump under the skin is a concerning event and definitely warrants an examination by a veterinarian to determine the type.
How They Develop
Dogs can develop cancerous tumors just like any other animal, although many types of growths are benign and treatable including some types of cancer. Lumps in cats are rare compared to dogs, they are generally more concerning and should be promptly checked out.
What To Do?
“What should I do if I find a lump on my pet?” It’s a common question that we are asked all the time. We usually want to know if the lump appeared suddenly, whether its shape, color, or size has changed and the age of your pet.
We usually recommend a fine needle aspiration and cytology — one of the less invasive procedures to evaluate a lump or bump, during which a small needle is used to collect cells. These cells are placed on glass slides and maybe stained for microscopic review. Depending on the type of mass, it may be possible to diagnose it quickly. The rarer types of growths may need to be sent out to a pathologist to determine their nature.
While a fine needle aspirate is usually helpful, in some cases, with particular types of masses or lumps, we may need to take a larger biopsy and excise tissue with a scalpel or punch blade. This is a more invasive procedure than a fine needle aspirate and might require sedation or anesthesia.
Diagnostic
Once a diagnosis is made, we can have a proper treatment plan made for your pet. In cases such as cancer lumps or an abscess, early detection and treatment can improve your pet’s quality of life, and potentially save them from serious and life-threatening consequences.
You can book a consultation anytime for getting your pet’s lumps. Surgical quotes can be provided for any existing lumps and are usually .
Please book a consultation with us and we can evaluate and advise you accordingly.
Gateway vet centre and emergency vet clinic was established with an aim to serve our Edmonton pet community and provide honest, reliable and independent advice that is evidence-based. We are open late and open 7 days a week and 365 days a year. We accept walk-ins normally. (Right now we appreciate if you call us ahead due to COVID restrictions.)
Gateway Veterinary Centre is a full-service canine and feline hospital in the heart of South Edmonton. Our newly-built veterinary clinic is easily accessible by Whitemud Drive, Gateway Boulevard and Calgary Trail. We are located next to LA Fitness and CIBC Bank.