{"id":2576,"date":"2023-02-28T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-28T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/santacruzstgin.wpengine.com\/?p=2576"},"modified":"2026-05-31T17:46:29","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T00:46:29","slug":"why-dog-have-lump-on-neck","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beta13.technodreamcenter.com\/santacruzpet\/why-dog-have-lump-on-neck\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Does My Dog Have a Lump on His Neck?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Few things cause more anxiety than petting your dog only to discover a bump beneath his fur. Scratching him beneath the collar, you find a strange bulge. Your mind begins racing as you wonder, \u201cWhy does my dog have a lump on his neck?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Tucson\u2019s trusted veterinarian<\/strong><\/a>, we have a few theories that might answer your question. Call us at (520) 889-9023<\/strong><\/a> to book an appointment and find solid answers.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fatty Tumor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like many concerned pet owners, your mind might immediately jump to cancer as the reason for a lump. While you need a veterinarian to verify, many lumps aren\u2019t cancerous. Sometimes dogs can develop fatty tumors called lipomas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lipomas consist of fat cells that accumulate in one place. While they don\u2019t threaten your dog\u2019s health, we can surgically remove them to reduce irritation.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sebaceous Cyst<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A sebaceous cyst is another type of fatty tumor that poses no threat to your dog. Despite their name, sebaceous cysts don\u2019t contain sebum. A sebaceous cyst may cause irritation and inflammation if located beneath your dog\u2019s collar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These cysts typically contain a combination of fat and protein like keratin and connective tissue. They develop in varying sizes with different consistencies. Often, they\u2019ll disappear without any treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abscess<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, bacteria and other microbes become trapped beneath the surface of your dog\u2019s skin. The microbes develop into an infected abscess filled with pus, which triggers your dog\u2019s immune response. Abscesses often cause dog owners to ask, \u201cWhy does my dog have a lump on his neck?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most abscesses will resolve on their own. However, you might need to bring your dog in to have the abscess drained if it doesn\u2019t clear up. Since tick bites, splinters, and other debris can cause an abscess, you should have your dog checked for any related problems.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mast Cell Tumor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A mast cell tumor is another, more concerning type of lump that may develop on your dog\u2019s neck. These lumps typically appear on the torsos of aging dogs. However, they may still develop on your dog\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mast cell tumors can be both benign and malignant. During a checkup, the veterinarian can test a tumor sample to confirm its impact on your dog\u2019s health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Squamous Cell Carcinoma<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A squamous cell carcinoma develops because of exposure to sunlight. Unfortunately, it often comes with a cancer diagnosis. This type of tumor often causes other concerning symptoms, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n