Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Today, we noticed a golf-ball size round lump near our dog's "knee". It is soft and squishy, doesn't seem to be causing any pain or impeding his activities. It definitely wasn't there a few weeks ago so I'm concerned about it getting larger. From what I've read, it seems the only way to get rid of it is through surgery, but most vets don't see a reason for removal.

What causes this? And are there other ways to treat or drain it? I'd appreciate your feedback.

You don't say where about the knee the lump is. If it is actually on the body wall, it is likely to be a fatty growth called a lipoma, which is of little significance unless it interferes with leg movement. If it is behind the knee, it may be an enlarged lymph node, which may be significant. It might also be a fluid filled cyst, or in a worst case scenario, a tumorous growth. I suggest you have a vet aspirate the mass, and if it is solid, make a slide to send to a pathology lab for a diagnosis. It may not be necessary to treat this lump, but it is important to know what it is to determine if it should be treated.