You are here:

Ask the Veterinarian/Lump on dog's left shoulder

Advertisement

Expert: - 2/26/2011


Question
I just noticed a mid size hard lump on my Brussels Griffon's left shoulder.  A week ago today he had his 3 year rabies shot, but if it were from that I would likely have felt it earlier.  He gets massage and scratching every morning when we first get up.  Twice he's taken antibiotics and prescription food for bladder crystals (no stones) and some infection...he just finished the second round the day he got the shot, and Monday his test results came back with no crystals and no infection.  He's 4 years old, of healthy weight and neutered at 9 months of age when I got him.  I will try to get him in at the vet tomorrow morning (Sat) but they're only in for a few hours so I may have to wait till Monday and I am hoping you can tell me if the shot could have caused it, if it sounds like something I need to worry about (I'll probably worry anyway because he's a great little dog and I love him).  Thanks for your help!

Answer
Well mid-sized is relative. Mid-sized compared to a 40 pound pumpkin or a walnut? A softball or a basketball?

Most vets are not giving rabies shots in the shoulder area any more but if it was from that it could take a week to show up.

Most likely it's a benign fatty tumor or a cyst if it isn't from the vaccination. Any dog can have a reaction to a vaccination so I wouldn't worry too much.

Worrying won't make it go away, so wait until tomorrow or Monday to worry. :-)
If it isn't bleeding, oozing or raw, just let it be until you know what it is.
That way he won't fuss over it either.  

Ask the Veterinarian

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.