Lump on neck

[mackico]

So, Archie has developed a very sudden and quite large lump on the back of his neck, pretty much dead-centre. It's a bit smaller than a golf ball, doesn't hurt him when it is squeezed, the skin above it is not inflamed, and it is mobile so it isn't attached to the muscle or the bone. It sits almost directly below his collar line.

What could this be? I first thought bee sting, as I noticed it just after he'd been for a walk in the park. But it isn't sore or inflamed, so. Then I thought abscess, but again, it doesn't hurt him and there is no obvious wound. Then I remembered that he had a vaccination in that location last week. Could it be related?

He's otherwise healthy, full of life, going to the toilet normally, eating normally, not coughing or sneezing or vomitting. He's going to the vets, though, if it doesn't go down in the next day or so.

[chazzvetnurse27]

Very ocasssionally there can be a localised reaction to a vaccination. I have seen it happen once before.

It could just be a harmless lipoma (fatty lump) but usually these do get noticed if you regularly groom/feel your dog over

Bee and wasp sting's can also cause localised swelling and dogs dont always yelp when they get stung so you may not of noticed it.

I found a little lump on Max's neck in a similar place a couple of weeks ago. I't looked like nothing but when I squeezed it a load of pus came out! It has gone now though. I'm always getting paranoid about grass seeds, splinters etc.

Even if it isn't attached to the bone or muscle I would maybe get it checked...I thought when Ozzy had his first lump removed from his elbow it was nothing that was March 2010 and now he's no longer with us...

Please dont think I'm trying to panic you! I'm not, just trying to cover the range of possibilities...hope this helps? It may be gone in the morning! Hope Archie is ok, sending doggy cuddles xx

[wildmoor]

it is likely to be a reaction to the vaccine if so it will subside shortly

[sami]

I agree with Pam(Wildmoor) mine have often had these reactions to vaccinations.

[mackico]

I'm pretty sure it must have been a reaction or something. I was thinking of calling the vets today for an appointment, but then I gave the lump a good feel and it's a third of the size it was yesterday. It's about the size of my thumbnail now, rather than nearly as big as a golf ball!

[LOVEGSD]

Glad to hear it's already going down...x