Lab - Dermal Cyst / Mole / Lump / Tick - HELP

[jonamv8]

Hi all,

Have a look at this which we have just noticed on our 7 year old golden lab, Mort.



Thought it could be a tick but then noticed hair growing through it so discounted that.

My friend says it could be a dermal cyst.

I don't think it's a mole as he has other darker coulored moles on his body.

It's rock hard, doesn't bother him at all so can't be sore.

Any ideas? Anything to worry about before I go and spend another £100 at the Vets?

Thanks in advance guys and girls

[jonamv8]

Should have added location - back of neck a couple of inches down from where he wears hi collar. He can't get to it nor does he want to. Its like he doesn't know it's there, we only noticed when stroking him.

[steve954]

jonamv8 said:

Should have added location - back of neck a couple of inches down from where he wears hi collar. He can't get to it nor does he want to. Its like he doesn't know it's there, we only noticed when stroking him.

Ok first has he been chipped? If so it could be that! My old gsd had one just like that and I left it as it all seemed fine etc.

[steve954]

jonamv8 said:

Should have added location - back of neck a couple of inches down from where he wears hi collar. He can't get to it nor does he want to. Its like he doesn't know it's there, we only noticed when stroking him.

Ok first has he been chipped? If so it could be that! My old gsd had one just like that and I left it as it all seemed fine etc.

[jonamv8]

He is chipped yes - Reaction to chip you think? Or body rejecting chip maybe??

[steve954]

Mine was fine for about 2-3 years then all of a sudden it started getting bigger once the lump was removed it was a big clump of ingrown hair which had wrapped itself round the chip, never been keen on them since them.

[bexVN]

Unlikely chip reaction.
Dermal cyst possible; start of a wart; mast cell tumour.

Dermal cysts and warts just need monitoring and if it grows get checked out and discuss removal before too big.

Mast cell tumour has to be considered due to age and breed. There are different grades and can be nasty so for this possibility this should be checked out (though tbh they don't usually get hair growing through them).

I wouldn't like to say one or other and can't, well legally! not allowed to diagnose. Keep a check on what it does over next week or so any change get it checked promptly.

[jonamv8]

Thanks for all of the advice - I shall keep an eye on it for a week or so and maybe take him in

[scrwright]

Our Lab has one just like that in the same place. I got the Vet to check it and they weren't concerned about it, just asked us to monitor its size (which hasn't changed in 18 months) They said it wasn't a viral wart, just an a skin growth and said they could remove it but not really worth the distress / expense