Lumps and Bumps: When Is a Mass an Emergency?

Lumps, Bumps, and Sudden Swellings: When Your Elgin Pet Needs Emergency Care

One minute you’re scratching behind your dog’s ears, the next your fingers stop on a lump you’ve never noticed before.

Panic sets in fast: Is it harmless? Is it painful? Could it be cancer?

Not every lump means trouble, but some can progress quickly and even become life-threatening. At Cobb & Co. Veterinary Clinic, we believe that knowledge eases worry. Here’s how to recognize the difference between bumps that can wait and those that need urgent care.

Why Do Pets Develop Masses?

Skin and underlying tissues are busy places filled with follicles, glands, fat, and immune cells. Any one of these structures can react to trauma, infection, or abnormal growth by producing a lump. Some are benign and mostly cosmetic, while others indicate infection, allergic reactions, or even cancer.

Recognizing Different Types of Masses

Not every lump has the same meaning. Some are minor skin quirks, while others can be aggressive cancers that spread quickly. Cancer in pets is often mistaken for something harmless, such as a small bump or sore that doesn’t heal, which is why early testing is so important.

Understanding Malignancy

When veterinarians describe a tumor as malignant, it means the cells are cancerous and capable of metastasizing- spreading to other areas of the body. Unlike benign growths that typically stay localized, malignant tumors invade surrounding tissues, grow quickly, and can cause severe complications if untreated.

Cancerous and High-Risk Masses

Benign or Lower-Risk Masses

Non- Cancerous Lumps Needing Prompt Attention

• Cat bite abscesses – Puncture wounds that seal over can trap bacteria, creating a hot, painful swelling that may rupture. Early drainage and antibiotics are essential.
• Hives from allergies – Bee stings, new foods, or medications can cause itchy welts that sometimes progress to facial swelling or breathing difficulty. Immediate treatment may be life-saving.
• Ear hematomas – Blood-filled ear flaps caused by head shaking or scratching are painful and need drainage to prevent scarring. There is usually an ear infection causing this uncomfortable condition.
• Anal sac disease – Scooting or a swelling beside the anus may mean impaction, infection, or tumor. Early evaluation prevents rupture.
• Ticks – Engorged ticks can mimic lumps and cause systemic diseases, making year-round prevention vital.
• Foxtails – These barbed seeds migrate under the skin, creating painful infected draining tracts or abscesses if not removed promptly.
• Interdigital Furunculosis – Painful, pus-filled swellings between the toes can become severely infected and require both medical and surgical care.

Non-Cancerous Lumps Worth Monitoring

• Dog elbow calluses – Hard surfaces create thick, hairless pads on pressure points. Soft bedding and moisturizers reduce discomfort and prevent cracking.
• Normal Nipples – Dogs and cats typically have 6–10 nipples that may be mistaken for small lumps, so it’s important to know what’s normal.

At-Home Lump Check: A Monthly Routine

Nearly half of skin tumors in older pets are malignant. Sudden growth, ulceration, or non-healing sores are always red flags. Here’s how to keep an eye on lumps and bumps:

1. Gently run your hands from nose to tail once a month.
2. Photograph or measure any new lumps and note details like firmness and mobility.
3. Recheck every two weeks. Any lump that doubles in size within a month or becomes painful should be evaluated right away.

When a Lump Is an Emergency

Call us the same day if you notice:

• Rapid growth (25% increase in two weeks)
• Ulceration, bleeding, or foul-smelling discharge
• Heat, redness, or severe pain around the mass
• Growth interfering with breathing, eating, walking, or elimination
• Systemic signs such as fever, lethargy, or weight loss

Our urgent-care team offers same-day appointments six days a week. Call (847) 741-6770 so we can prepare a calm, low-stress room before you arrive.

How We Diagnose a Mass

Diagnosis starts with a exam where we palpate the lump and nearby lymph nodes. A fine-needle aspirate is often performed the same day, allowing us to evaluate cells under the microscope. If results are unclear, we may recommend a biopsy with histopathology. Digital X-rays and ultrasound help map the lump and check for spread.

Prevention Tips

• Keep your pet at a healthy weight to reduce fatty tumors and pressure sores.
• Use flea, tick, and heartworm prevention year-round.
• Schedule regular wellness and dental visits – hidden oral tumors are common.
• Brush coats after outdoor activity to spot ticks or foxtails early.
• Practice calm handling so at-home checks are easier.

When in Doubt, Reach Out

You know your pet better than anyone. If a lump feels new, has changed in size, or just doesn’t sit right with you, it’s always better to have it checked. Some bumps are harmless, but others may require urgent care, and only a professional exam can provide certainty. Our urgent and emergency care team is here during those stressful moments when waiting simply isn’t an option.

Book Your Exam Today

At Cobb & Co. Veterinary Clinic, we believe peace of mind is priceless. With advanced diagnostics and a commitment to open communication, we’ll determine what your pet’s lump means and outline the next steps clearly and compassionately.

Don’t let worry linger- schedule an exam today. Call us at (847) 741-6770 or request an appointment through our contact page. Together, we’ll ensure your pet stays healthy, happy, and ready for many more years of non-lumpy love by your side.