lump

[shawn7070]

my dog has a large lump growing out of the base of one of her nipples and it doesn't seem to bother her. it is soft on the outside and the inside is hard.

[Brian C Hurley, D.V.M.]

I know finances can be tough.  Until you are able to get to a veterinarian, monitor the growth for changes for the worse.  At that time, do what you can to see a veterinarian.  Sorry it took me a while to respond, I had a family emergency.

Good luck.

[shawn7070]

i want to take her to the vet but my mom doesn't have the money. i had a rat that had a tumor and i talked to the person who gave it to me and she said it could cost up to $400 to get surgery so i had to put her to sleep and i dont think i could to the same thing with my dog.

[Brian C Hurley, D.V.M.]

Mammary Growth

Sorry to hear you have identified a growth in your pet.  Mammary cancer would be my concern with any growth related to a mammary gland.  While other growths are possible, in female dogs that have not been spayed or spayed later in life, mammary cancer is the most common growth to occur.  The growth could be one of three types:

1. Mammary adenoma (benign)
2. Mammary adenocarcinoma (malignant)
3. Or a mix of 1 and 2

I am glad to hear the growth is not bothering her.  However, I would recommend you contact a veterinarian and let them do a complete physical examination.  They may recommend surgical removal, needle aspirates ( to identify the growth type) and possibly radiographs.  Your veterinarian and you can decide the best diagnostic and treatment plan.