Movable lump under dog skin: Top 10 reasons

4. hives

One Wheal or Urtica is a small bump in the skin that can look like a lump when first palpated. They can usually be moved slightly, but occasionally the swelling also appears under the skin. Typically it is a widespread infestation.

Hives are mainly caused by allergic reactions or attacks of hives caused: In many cases, allergies in dogs are expressed exclusively in this form of skin rash.

Examples of things that can cause hives

  • Insect bites
  • Parasites, e.g. ticks, mites and fleas (flea saliva allergy)
  • Plant poisons, e.g. stinging nettles
  • Food allergies or intolerances
  • Chemical substances, e.g. cleaning agents
  • stress
  • Medication (side effects).

In some four-legged friends – for example long-haired breeds with dark fur – the wheals are difficult to see at first glance. Often you only notice them after they have spread for a long time.

That's why you have to go up other symptoms regard. Dogs that suffer from this form of nodules actually always have severe ones Itching. They then scratch themselves incessantly, some even bite themselves or tend to self-harm by pulling out clumps of hair.

5. Vaccination aftereffects

No worries: Dog vaccinations are extremely safe. According to a large Japanese study, the proportion of four-legged friends who suffer life-threatening anaphylactic shock when vaccinated against rabies is just 0.15 cases per 100,000 injections administered.

Still, there can be some minor after effects give. In addition to fever and fatigue, many dog ​​owners also experience one Swelling, mostly in the neck area. It can also move slightly when touched.

Fortunately, this is an aftereffect very harmless: It is an irritation that does not come from the vaccine but from the puncture. It usually doesn't bother the four-legged friend and disappears on its own within a few days.

6. Mast cell tumor

Unfortunately, there are also alarming reasons for lumps: one of the most widespread skin cancers in dogs is Mast cell tumor.

Mast cells actually originate in the bone marrow and from there enter the blood. They are irreplaceable for various processes in the body, for example they play an important role in the dog's immune system.

Malignant changes in the cells are probably genetically determined, Tumors are particularly common in certain breeds such as boxers or retrievers.

Expert information on the topic

You can find a very helpful overview of tumor diseases – especially mast cell and mammary tumors – on the Animal Oncology website at the LMU Munich.

Mast cell tumors usually occur as rather inconspicuous nodes on, which is mainly in the Head, torso and leg area form. Often they do not appear all over the place, but rather individually, and occasionally they also cause weeping wounds.

If detected early, the prognosis is comparatively good. However, if the tumor is diagnosed late, it is usually already too late – unfortunately the dog then only has a short life expectancy.

7. Melanoma

At Melanoma These are tumors that are caused by the melanocytes, i.e. the pigment cells, that produce melanin. Above all, they join older dogs on, there are also breeds such as dachshunds, poodles and cocker spaniels that obviously have a genetic predisposition.

The ulcers can appear not only on the skin, but also in the mouth. In some cases they are also clearly visible externally, and the dark pigmentation then resembles Moles.

Treacherous & aggressive

According to the Hofheim Animal Clinic, 25 to 50 percent of all these ulcers that cover the hairy skin are malignant.

Melanomas are often “hidden” – then they are just more or less pronounced lumps under the skin, which can sometimes be moved a bit.

8. Fibrosarcoma

Also Fibrosarcomas are fairly common in dogs. They are also as “Soft tissue tumors” known and grow out of the connective tissue.

These ulcers can occur in the mouth, but also under the skin. Fibrosarcomas then feel like lumps, they grow very quickly.

Nevertheless, there is a glimmer of hope: The metastasis rate of fibrosarcomas is relatively low. If the tumor can be removed, there is little risk that other organs will be affected.

9. Mammary gland tumor (mammary tumor)

A very common disease in female dogs is: Mammary gland tumor. A mammary tumor, As the technical term goes, breast cancer is basically breast cancer, with education probably playing both roles hormonal as well as genetic reasons a role.

Breeds particularly commonly affected

  • dachshund
  • German shepherd dog
  • Doberman
  • English setter
  • pointer
  • poodle
  • Yorkshire Terriers.

Source: AniCura Germany.

Only female dogs that have not been neutered are affected. Animals that receive hormone treatments to suppress heat, however, suffer disproportionately often from this type of cancer.

Typical of a mammary tumor Nodule formation in the teat area. Fortunately, not all ulcers are malignant, although almost half can form metastases quick detection very important for therapeutic success.

10. Salivary gland tumor

Occasionally occur too Tumors of the salivary gland on. They can also be malignant and need to be treated quickly.

Unlike most other cancers, bumps caused by these tumors occur especially in the head and neck area on: If you can feel changes there, you should definitely think about this possibility.