Finding lumps and bumps on your cat or dog can be very worrying as a pet owner. While they are more common in older pets, younger animals can also develop different growths on their skin.

Most lumps we see in the clinic are harmless, however, they can also be an indication of an infection or more serious health issue. Early detection of anything sinister is important for effective removal and treatment.

What causes my pet to get lumps and bumps?

There are many reasons for your pet to have a growth on their skin, including:

• A harmless growth such as a wart, mole or skin tag
• A fatty tumour (also known as lipomas)
• Reaction to an insect bite
• An infection or abscess
• A cyst
• A cancerous growth

When should you get lumps and bumps checked by a vet?

It’s important to get any growths checked by a vet if:

• Your pet has any other symptoms
• The lump is bigger than a pea
• It’s been there longer than a week
• The lump is growing or changing
• There is any bleeding, discharge, redness or swelling in the area
• Your pet is over 7 years of age
• The lump or bump appears to be painful when touched

Even if your pet doesn’t meet the above criteria and you are worried about the growth you have found, we can always give your pet a thorough examination to give you peace of mind.

What will happen at the vet?

When you bring your pet in to get a lump checked at Moorabbin Veterinary Hospital we will discuss your observations of the growth, and any changes in your pet’s health you may have noticed. We will perform a thorough physical examination and check for any additional growths or skin changes.

We often will take a sample of the lump for further testing. This will give us a clearer picture of what the lump is, and if removal or further treatment is required.

Vigilance is key

While your vet will always examine your pet’s skin during annual health checks, it’s a good idea to perform regular checks of your pet’s skin when patting or grooming them. This way you will immediately notice any growths on your cat or dog, even if they are very subtle.

If you are ever worried about lumps and bumps that you’ve found on your pet, or have any other concerns about their health, our vets are here to help. Our vet clinic is open 7 days a week, and you can schedule your appointment online or by calling our friendly team on 03 9555 4808.