Found a Lump on Your Dog or Cat? How We Check It and When Surgery Helps

It is a moment many pet owners know well. You are giving your dog a belly rub or brushing your cat, and your hand finds a lump that was not there before.

The good news is that most lumps we remove turn out to be benign. But some can be more serious, and there is no way to tell just by looking or feeling. That is why we always recommend having a new lump checked. Here is how we approach lumps and bumps at Vetcetera Animal Hospital in Bedford.

Why every new lump deserves a visit

Early detection makes a real difference. When a growth does turn out to be cancerous, finding and removing it early significantly improves the outcome. This is one of the reasons regular wellness exams are so valuable. We may find something during an exam that you had not noticed yet.

When you call, it helps to let us know where the lump is and when you first noticed it.

Step one: a closer look under the microscope

Our hospital has a dedicated focus on microscopic evaluation, including samples taken from lumps and bumps. We also look at samples from ears and skin, along with blood and urine.

When a case needs more advanced testing, we work with a leading diagnostic laboratory, so we can get expert insight when it is needed. Depending on the situation, we may also use digital x-rays or ultrasound to learn more. You can read about these tools in our guide to pet diagnostics.

Once we have results, our veterinarians take the time to explain them and talk through your options.

Step two: when surgery makes sense

Soft tissue surgery covers procedures that are not related to bone. One of the most common is the removal of masses or lumps.

Your pet's safety is our priority during any surgical procedure:

• Before surgery, every patient has a thorough physical exam and pre-anesthetic testing so we can choose the safest anesthetic plan for that pet.
• During surgery, we monitor your pet closely.
• After surgery, we provide pain management during recovery.

Our clinic offers a wide range of surgical services, from routine to complex procedures. When a case needs advanced training or equipment, we may refer your pet to a board-certified veterinary surgeon to give them the best possible outcome.

If the lump is cancer

Hearing the word cancer is hard. If your pet is diagnosed with cancer, you may not need to travel far for care. Vetcetera offers in-house chemotherapy and ultrasound, provided by Dr. Nadine, right here in Bedford.

Our team is here to answer your questions, help you understand your options and support you and your pet throughout treatment.

Other soft tissue procedures: eye surgery

Soft tissue surgery is not only about lumps. We can also address eye problems such as chronic infections or entropion, a condition where the eyelashes irritate the cornea. Surgical treatment improves comfort, lowers the risk of corneal scarring and improves vision in the long term.

Frequently asked questions

Are most lumps on dogs and cats cancer?

Most lumps we remove are benign, but some can be more serious. The only way to know is to have it checked.

Can you test a lump in-house?

We do microscopic evaluation of samples from lumps and bumps in our hospital. For more advanced testing, we partner with a leading diagnostic lab.

Is my pet safe under anesthesia for lump removal?

Every surgical patient gets a thorough physical exam and pre-anesthetic testing so we can choose the safest anesthetic plan. We monitor your pet closely during surgery and provide pain management during recovery.

Should I wait to see if the lump grows?

We recommend having any new lump checked. Early detection and removal of cancerous growths significantly improves outcomes.

More from our team

You may also want to read what to expect on surgery day and how we can help with financing your pet's care.

Book a lump check in Bedford

If you have found a new lump on your dog or cat, call Vetcetera Animal Hospital at (902) 450-4973, email info@vetcetera.ca or request an appointment online. Learn more about our surgical services. We are located at 1144 Bedford Highway, Bedford, Nova Scotia.