My Dog Has a Lump on Its Neck — Causes

Finding a lump on our dog's neck is always cause for concern. It's easy to associate a lump with cancer, which is why the fear many owners feel in these cases is understandable.

If we suspect cancer, it's very important to see the vet as soon as possible. But the truth is, not every lump is a tumor. In this article, we'll explain the most common causes behind a lump appearing on dogs' necks.

Are Lumps on a Dog's Neck Serious?

To determine this, first it's important to look at aspects such as the location, size, texture, growth rate of the lump, or whether or not it's painful to the touch. These are essential details when reaching a diagnosis.

We should also consider the presence or absence of other symptoms, such as fever, loss of appetite, listlessness, etc. If the lump doesn't go away, we notice other abnormal signs, it leaks some kind of discharge, or grows in size, we need to see the vet.

There are several causes that can explain a lump appearing on a dog's neck, and it's the vet who needs to perform the appropriate exam to determine its origin. Once we get a diagnosis, this professional will be able to prescribe the right treatment. The most common causes of lumps on the neck are:

• Enlarged lymph nodes.
• Abscesses.
• Tumors
• Reactions after giving injections.

Lymph Nodes in Dogs

Lymph nodes are found on both sides of dogs' necks, under the lower jaw. These nodes are part of the immune system and help defend the body against pathogens entering it. A swollen lymph node tells us the immune system is reacting.

If only one node is swollen, we can think of a local infection. The node closest to the pathogen's point of entry will be the one that swells. That's why, faced with a lump on the neck, the first thing we should do is check the mouth for any infection.

If that's the case, we'll notice other symptoms such as excess drooling, reluctance to eat, pain, etc. But the infection could also be in the respiratory tract. Other signs will appear, such as nasal or eye discharge, fever, or coughing. It's reason to see the vet so the right treatment can be chosen.

What Are Abscesses in Dogs?

Abscesses are buildups of pus under the skin. They usually result from bites or scratches. The wound looks healed on the outside, but the truth is it's closed over falsely and there's an infection underneath. It's not unusual for a dog to have an abscess on its neck, since it's an area often bitten during fights.

Other fairly common causes of abscesses are foreign bodies. Plant fragments such as thorns or splinters can get embedded in the flesh, staying lodged inside the body and, as a result, forming an abscess. Insect stings can also form them.

The abscess can open, releasing discharge to the outside. Sometimes this is enough for the abscess to disappear. Other times it doesn't drain on its own, or even though it's leaking discharge, the lump doesn't go away. In these cases, the vet will remove the pus, thoroughly clean the area, and, if needed, complete treatment with medication.

Tumors in Dogs

Tumors are another cause of masses forming in different parts of the body. They result from uncontrolled cell growth and are more common in older dogs. That's why it's recommended that, starting from around seven years of age, they get an annual vet check-up.

This allows some tumors to be detected early. They can be benign or malignant and spread to other organs, in a process called metastasis. If we detect a lump and suspect it could be a tumor, we need to see the vet immediately. Even if it's small, doesn't hurt, and there are no other symptoms.

If it turns out to be cancer, an early diagnosis always offers better chances of a cure. The vet will remove the lump or take a sample to send to the lab. This confirms whether it's cancer, what type, and what grade. This information is essential to start treatment.

Reactions at the Injection Site

Sometimes, after giving an injection such as a vaccine, a reaction can occur right at the injection site. Subcutaneous injections are usually given at the withers area, but if given a bit higher up, we could end up with a lump on the neck.

This is an inflammation that normally resolves spontaneously within a few days. If it doesn't, or gets worse, since it could become infected, we need to see the vet so they can prescribe treatment.

Other Causes of Lumps on the Neck

A lump can also correspond to a cyst. In these cases, the recommendation is not to touch it. If we do, we could cause an infection. They usually go away spontaneously.

But we need vet confirmation, so it's still recommended to see a professional as soon as possible. In addition, in some dogs it's possible to feel a small lump on the left side. If it's hard and shaped like a grain of rice, it will be the microchip.

Bibliography Carlson and Giffin. 2002. Manual práctico de veterinaria canina. Madrid. Editorial el Drac.