Noticing a new lump or bump on your pet can be worrying. While some lumps are harmless, others may need treatment — and the only way to know for sure is to have them checked by a vet. At Heronden Veterinary Practice, we see many pets with skin lumps, and we know how important it is to identify them early.

 Common Causes of Lumps and Bumps

There are many possible reasons why your pet might develop a lump, including:

• Benign (non-cancerous) growths – such as fatty lumps (lipomas) or warts.
• Cysts or abscesses – often filled with fluid or caused by infections.
• Allergic reactions or insect bites – these can appear suddenly and may be itchy.
• Malignant (cancerous) tumours – some lumps can be more serious and spread if not treated.

What to Look Out For

If you find a lump, note:

• Size – has it grown quickly?
• Texture – is it soft, hard, or irregular?
• Mobility – does it move under the skin, or feel fixed in place?
• Changes – has it started to ulcerate, bleed, or cause discomfort?
• Number – is it a single lump or are there several?

Keeping a record (even taking a photo and measuring with a ruler) can help track changes over time.

 When to See the Vet

You should book an appointment if:

• The lump is growing or changing in appearance.
• It’s painful, bleeding, or oozing.
• Your pet is licking, scratching, or chewing at it.
• They seem unwell — losing weight, eating less, or behaving differently.

Even if the lump seems small and harmless, it’s always best to have it checked for peace of mind.

How Vets Investigate Lumps

At Heronden Veterinary Practice, we may recommend:

• HT Vista scan- a quick, pain-free scan to check your dog’s lumps and bumps with the use of heat diffusion imaging technology to identify what cells are present. 
• Fine needle aspirate – a simple test where a few cells are collected with a needle for examination under the microscope.

• Biopsy – taking a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis.
• Surgical removal – sometimes recommended if the lump is suspicious, large, or in an awkward location.

These tests are quick and help us determine whether the lump is harmless or something that needs treatment.

Caring for Your Pet

Don’t try to squeeze or pop lumps — this can make things worse.

Keep the area clean and monitor for changes.

Regularly check your pet’s body, especially as they get older, so you can spot new lumps quickly.

Finding a lump on your pet can be unsettling, but many are harmless. The key is early examination and diagnosis. If you’ve noticed a lump or bump on your dog or cat, book a check-up with Heronden Veterinary Practice and let us put your mind at ease.