Found a Lump on Your Dog or Cat? What to Do Next and How Mass Removal Surgery Works

You are giving your dog a belly rub or brushing your cat and your hand stops on something new: a lump or bump that was not there before. It is natural to worry. The most important thing you can do is have it checked by a veterinarian, because early detection and removal are critical in case a mass is cancerous.

At Cumberland County Animal Hospital in Amherst, Nova Scotia, we frequently perform soft tissue surgeries to remove masses and lumps. This guide explains what to do when you find a lump, how we assess it, and what happens if your pet needs surgery.

What to do when you find a lump on your pet

• Book an appointment. Call us at (902) 612-2520 so one of our veterinarians can examine the lump. You cannot tell what a lump is just by looking at it or feeling it.
• Make a few notes. Write down where the lump is on your pet's body, when you first noticed it, and whether it seems to be changing. Bring your questions too. We love questions.
• Do not wait to see what happens. Because early detection and removal matter, it is better to have a new lump checked sooner rather than later.
• Check your pet regularly at home. Getting to know what is normal for your pet makes it easier to spot something new.

How our vets assess a lump

A thorough physical exam

We start with a detailed physical assessment, just like at a wellness exam. We check your pet's weight, heart rate and respiratory health and look at the lump and the rest of the body.

Diagnostics in our in-house lab

Depending on what we find, we may recommend diagnostic testing. Our hospital has an in-house laboratory and digital x-rays, so many tests can be done right here in Amherst. Blood work also helps us check organ function before anesthesia. Learn more in our post on in-house lab testing and digital x-rays.

A clear plan and estimate

If your pet needs treatment, we provide a detailed estimate and review the options with you. Together, we decide what works best for you and your pet before any procedure begins.

What happens during mass removal surgery

Soft tissue surgeries are procedures on areas of the body not related to bone. Removing masses and lumps is one of the soft tissue surgeries we perform most often. Here is how we keep your pet safe:

• Before surgery: We perform a complete physical exam and pre-anesthetic tests.
• Anesthesia: We carefully select anesthesia suited to your pet's needs.
• During surgery: We closely monitor your pet's condition throughout the procedure.
• Pain control: Pain management continues throughout your pet's recovery.
• Going home: We review the post-surgery care instructions with you and answer your questions at pickup.

Our clients often tell us they appreciate the follow-up call after an appointment, so you can share how your pet is doing once they are home.

When a referral is the best option

We provide a full spectrum of surgical services, from routine procedures to more intricate surgeries. For advanced operations that require specialized training or equipment, we refer patients to board-certified veterinary surgeons so your pet receives the best care.

Other soft tissue surgeries we perform

Mass removal is not the only soft tissue surgery we offer. Surgeries for eye conditions, such as chronic infections or entropion, can significantly improve a pet's comfort and vision while reducing scarring. We also perform spay and neuter surgeries, which you can read about in our spay and neuter guide.

Planning for the cost of surgery

We know an unexpected surgery can be a big expense. We offer payment plans through Humm, with financing for veterinary care of up to $30,000 for eligible clients. Read our guide on how to pay for unexpected vet bills to learn more.

Common questions about lumps on dogs and cats

What should I do if I find a lump on my dog or cat?

Book an appointment with your veterinarian to have the lump examined. At Cumberland County Animal Hospital in Amherst, early detection and removal are considered critical in case a mass is cancerous. Call (902) 612-2520 to book.

Do you remove lumps and masses at Cumberland County Animal Hospital?

Yes. Removing masses and lumps is one of the soft tissue surgeries we perform most often at our Amherst hospital.

How do you keep my pet safe during surgery?

We perform a complete physical exam and pre-anesthetic tests, select anesthesia suited to your pet, monitor your pet closely throughout surgery and maintain pain management during recovery.

What if my pet needs a more advanced surgery?

For advanced operations that require specialized training or equipment, we refer patients to board-certified veterinary surgeons.

Have a lump checked in Amherst

Cumberland County Animal Hospital is a CVMA and NSVMA accredited hospital at 16 Ancestral Drive in Amherst, Nova Scotia, open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 6:00pm. If you have found a lump on your dog or cat, call (902) 612-2520 or book an appointment. Learn more about our surgical services.