Ask Dr Claire
One of his nipples is larger than all of the others and seems to be growing, is this something I should be worried about?
As a rule of thumb, lumps or swellings are either:
- Non-cancerous and just inflammatory.
- Cancerous, being either:
(a) Benign (tend to be slow growing and not spread readily), or
(b) Malignant (fast growing and can spread to other areas).
When it comes to lumps and swellings, looks can be very deceiving.
Given the nipple is changing in size, a hands on examination from your local bricks and mortar clinic is a great way to start. A vet will take a sample of the lump or nipple, which is the only true way to tell what it is.
Sometimes the sample will be sent to a veterinary pathologist to interpret the cells. Then recommendations can be made as to whether a biopsy or removal may be needed.
If you’d like to chat in person, you can get a vet on a live video call or start a chat to discuss in more detail now.
We’re here to help!
Chat soon,
Dr Claire