It starts with a little lump. You’re petting your dog or cat and suddenly feel something new under their skin. It’s small. It doesn’t seem painful. So... should you wait and see? Or call your vet?
At Pawsitive Care Veterinary Clinic, we hear this question all the time, and we’re here to say: don’t wait.
September is Pet Cancer Awareness Month, and this is the perfect time to talk about one of the most common signs we see: new lumps and bumps. The good news? Not all lumps are cancer. The even better news? The sooner we test them, the more options we have.
What Could It Be?
Lumps can be a lot of things:
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Benign fatty tumors (lipomas)
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Cysts or abscesses
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Skin tags or warts
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Infections or insect bites
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Malignant tumors
There’s no way to know for sure just by looking or touching. That’s where diagnostics come in.
The Power of a Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA) and When We Recommend a Biopsy
A fine needle aspirate is a simple, quick procedure that lets us take a small sample of cells from the lump and look at them under a microscope. Most pets don’t even need sedation. It’s safe, minimally invasive, and can give us a ton of valuable information.
If the cells look benign, we monitor. If there are signs of something more serious, we can act quickly. In many cases, we may recommend a biopsy for more detailed analysis, especially if the FNA results are unclear or the mass appears aggressive.
Why Early Testing Matters
The earlier we identify cancer, the more options we have. Whether it’s surgery, monitoring, or referral for specialized care, early testing helps us act before the problem progresses. Waiting until a lump gets bigger or starts bothering your pet can make treatment more difficult and outcomes less predictable.
Senior Pets Are at Higher Risk
Older dogs and cats are more likely to develop growths, both benign and malignant. But that doesn’t mean every lump should be ignored or every lump should be removed. We help guide you through the next steps based on what the testing shows.
When to Call Us
If you find a lump that:
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Is new or growing
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Feels firm or irregular
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Is red, irritated, or oozing
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Seems to bother your pet
It’s time for a vet visit. Even if it seems small, a simple check-up could provide peace of mind or catch something serious early.
Know What You're Feeling
We recommend doing regular “hands-on” exams at home, especially for senior pets. If you find something, jot down the location, size, and date you first noticed it. This helps us track any changes.
We’re Here to Help
At Pawsitive Care, we want you to feel confident, not worried, about your pet’s lumps and bumps. Schedule an appointment and let us take a closer look together.
Early testing isn’t about panic. It’s about giving your pet the best chance at a healthy, happy life. Let’s stay proactive this Pet Cancer Awareness Month.