Health Question about Golden Retriever

Question
We have a 10 year old golden retriever/collie mix.  We just noticed a rather big bump on her right shoulder. It feels soft and squishy so we don't think it's a tumor and are wondering if it's something that would go away on it's own, if we could do something ourselves to help her, or if we should take her to the vet? Is this something that you have come across in any of your dogs? Thanks so much.

Answer

Hi Nancy,

Dogs can develop many kinds of lumps and bumps. One very common kind of growth in middle-aged to older dogs is called a Lipomas (also called fatty tumors). Overweight female dogs are especially prone to developing Lipomas. These are benign growths, that usually do not require removal (it may return even if it's removed), and many times the dog will develop more than one.

Because it's impossible to determine whether a growth is benign or malignant by appearance alone, all lumps should be checked out by your veterinarian, regardless of how your dog is acting. The only conclusive way to find out the exact kind of growth your dog has, to to have a vet examine her.

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti