Accepted Answer

Thanks for the question.

I wish I could diagnose this for you over the internet but that is impossible what you have to do is to get the dog to your vet who will be able to tell you a lot more following a hands on examination and perhaps a biopsy. However I am glad to talk the subject over with you ....

Some of these lumps are malignant cancers of course but a great many are benign, the commonest benign lump is called a lipoma and a great many older dogs have these. Some are large like yours and some are small. Lets concentrate on lipomas because as I said they are very common.

Lipomas tend to be smooth and soft to the touch because they are composed of fat cells, in fact they are just big fatty lumps. They may be mobile meaning you can gently move them about under the skin and they will be non painful to the dog. They can usually easily be surgically removed.

Malignant lumps on the other hand may appear very hard and have an irregular surface. These days there is a range of treatments available for malignant cancers, but it is still bad news.

Here is a link to a web page about lipomas in the dog : http://www.thepetcenter.com/sur/lipoma.html

I hope yours turns out to be something simple.

If I can advise you further do not hesitate to get back in touch.

Scott Nimmo BVMS

Expert:	Scott Nimmo BVMS, MRCVS.
Pos. Feedback:	99.9 %
Accepts:
Answered:	6/14/2008

Dog Veterinarian

I have 28 years experience in all aspects of canine medicine and surgery.