This article was updated on May 14th, 2023
You will find below a list of pictures of lumps and bumps that are often observed on older dogs as they get into their senior years. Please note that the pictures are provided as examples only. It usually is not possible to determine the real nature of a dog lump, wart, cyst or tumor by just looking at it.
Important: As veterinarians, we can never say what a dog lump is without testing it, for example by taking biopsies. For example, we have seen what looks like a lipoma actually come back as a malignant mast cell tumor. Always consult with our local veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis and determine the best treatment plan for your old dog.
1. Lipomas
Lipomas are fatty tumors. Non-cancerous. Painless. Soft and moveable.
View more Lipoma pictures.
2. Sebaceous Cysts
Fluid-filled sac. Non-cancerous. Pink and hairless. Shiny and oily. As shown on the two images below.
View more pictures of sebaceous cysts, and more pictures of different types of cysts in dogs.
WATCH: 3 Important Tips To Care For an Old Dog [VET VIDEO]
3. Mast Cell Tumors
Cancerous or benign. White or pink.
View more mast cell tumor pictures.
4. Mammary Gland Tumors
Cancerous or benign. Often next to or within the nipple. May extend between multiple mammary glands. Firm. May have ulcerated skin overlaying, or be abscessated/bleeding.
View more pictures of mammary gland tumors.
5. Melanoma
Cancerous or benign. Black. Raised or flat. Here is a picture of a melanoma in a dog’s mouth (black growth):
6. Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Cancerous. Raised and red. Usually a single tumour but can present as multiple masses. Often found in light-skinned areas or in the mouth. May become ulcerated or bleed.
7. Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Cancerous. Many different types, depending on the tissue affected (including fibrosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, liposarcoma). Soft or firm. Often invasive into surrounding tissue.
8. Anal Gland Tumour (Adenocarcinoma)
Usually cancerous. Growth on or just next to the dog’s anus. Firm. Can be ulcerated/infected.
9. Warts
Single or cluster of tiny lumps. Most often benign. Can disappear after a few months. Occasionally cancerous.
View more examples and pictures of warts or find out how to remove dog warts.
Disclaimer: This content is not a substitute for veterinary care. Always consult with your vet for health decisions. Learn more.
Learn more:
- Go to our page on Lumps, Bumps, Tumors, Cysts, and Warts for more information.
- View our page listing 21 skin conditions in dogs (with pictures).
- Learn more skin lesions or lumps due to cancer.
Overview graphic:
Go to our page on Lumps, Bumps, Tumors, Cysts, and Warts for more information.
My dog has developed about a dozen tiny lumps virtually over night. She also seemed to be under the weather. Does anyone have an idea?
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Hives or some kind of rash/irritated reaction.
My dog has a few flesh colored lumps on his body. A new one appeared by his ear.
Any ideas?
I have a 9 year old English pointer. A year ago she started getting knots under her belly
. Over the year she has seen many vets. Now one know has gotten so big its draining all the time. They tried to do surgery because of her heart we about lost her the min they put her to sleep. They have tried 17 different medicines. They say it’s cancer and there’s nothing else that can be done. We are spending about $600.00 every 2 weeks on her. I just don’t know what to do!!!