What Are the Possible Causes of a Lump on My Dog’s Hindquarters?

Dear VetBabble: What Can Cause a Lump on My Dog’s Hindquarters?

If you’re a pet parent noticing an unusual growth or lump on your dog’s behind, you could be thinking it’s a possible abscessed anal gland. Lumps can indeed signify a variety of conditions, and I fully encourage all pet parents to consult their local veterinarian when something seems off. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Understanding Anal Glands in Dogs

One of the possible causes of a lump on your dog’s butt could be related to their anal glands. For those who are unfamiliar with what anal glands are or their function, I suggest taking a stroll over to our [article](https://www.vetbabble.com/dogs/what-are-anal-glands/). It provides a comprehensive overview of Anal Glands: What Are They and Do I Need to Express Them? and will leave you better prepared to understand your furry pal’s health needs.

Anal glands are two small pouches situated on either side of your dog’s rectum and they produce a potent, oily substance. Sometimes these glands can become blocked, leading to discomfort and potentially even forming an abscess – a tender, swollen lump that can cause your dog to groom excessively, scoot their rear end, or exhibit signs of pain.

Recognizing When Lumps Could Be Cause for Concern

Not all lumps and bumps on your pet are serious or life-threatening, but it’s wise to have any new or changing growth evaluated. This is because the lump could indicate other underlying issues such as tumors, cysts, or skin tags. I recommend referring to our [guide](https://www.vetbabble.com/dogs/lumps-and-bumps-when-to-worry/), which gives you a broad understanding of Lumps and Bumps: When to Worry. It also lists the signs you should look out for and when it’s time to pay a visit to the vet.

Treatment Options Depending on the Diagnosis

If the suspect lump turns out to be an impacted anal gland, your vet can perform a simple procedure to express them. You can learn about this procedure in our informative [piece](https://www.vetbabble.com/dogs/express-dogs-anal-glands/) titled How to Express Dog’s Anal Glands. This knowledge might even be helpful in establishing a regular grooming routine to maintain your dog’s health and comfort.

On the other hand, if the lump is suspected to be a tumor, your vet will likely want to perform further testing to confirm. Canine cancers can manifest in various ways, and it’s vital to know Cancer in Dogs: Facts, Symptoms and What to Expect. For a swath of information regarding this, check out our comprehensive [article](https://www.vetbabble.com/dogs/learn-all-about-cancer-in-dogs/).

Regardless of the cause, your furry friend’s health is paramount, and regular check-ups are always advisable to ensure any bumps in the road are addressed promptly and appropriately.

Stay informed, be observant, and remember, your vet is always there to support you and your pet. In good health and good paws, my friends!