Dog Lump Removal — Knaresborough & Harrogate
Found a lump on your dog? At Your Family Vets we assess, diagnose and remove dog lumps at our Knaresborough practice, serving Harrogate, Wetherby and the surrounding North Yorkshire area.
Should I Be Worried About a Lump on My Dog?
Not every lump is serious — but every lump should be checked. Many are benign, such as lipomas (fatty lumps) or cysts. Others, including mast cell tumours, require prompt attention and careful surgical removal.
The only way to know for certain is a veterinary assessment. If you’ve noticed a new lump, a lump that’s changing in size, or one that seems to be bothering your dog, book an appointment as soon as possible.
Act promptly if you notice any of the following:
- Lump has appeared suddenly or is growing quickly
- Lump is ulcerated, bleeding, or weeping
- Your dog is licking or scratching at it persistently
- Your dog seems uncomfortable or in pain
- The lump is in a sensitive location — near the eye, mouth, or a limb
Types of Dog Lumps We Treat
Lipomas
Soft, fatty lumps that sit just under the skin. Common in middle-aged and older dogs. Usually benign but can be removed if they restrict movement or grow significantly.
Sebaceous Cysts
Blocked oil glands that appear as firm, round lumps under the skin. Often harmless but can become infected and may need removal.
Mast Cell Tumours
One of the most common malignant skin tumours in dogs. Can look similar to benign lumps — which is why assessment and testing is always recommended. Require careful surgical removal with clean margins.
Histiocytomas
Small, red, button-like growths more common in younger dogs. Often resolve on their own but should be monitored and assessed by a vet.
Skin Tags
Harmless fleshy growths, particularly common in older dogs. Can be removed if they cause irritation or discomfort.
Not Sure What It Is?
That’s exactly why you should get it checked. Many lumps look alike to the untrained eye. A proper clinical assessment is the only way to know for certain what you’re dealing with.
What Happens at a Dog Lump Assessment
Consultation — £50 or included in Wellness Plan
Philip will examine the lump, assess its size, location, and consistency, and discuss your dog’s history with you. A thorough clinical examination is always the first step.
Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA)
In many cases we’ll recommend a fine needle aspirate — a quick, minimally invasive procedure where a small sample of cells is taken from the lump and examined. This helps us understand what we’re dealing with before recommending surgery.
Surgery
If removal is recommended, Philip will discuss the procedure with you fully before any decision is made. As an RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery with a Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Surgery, Philip is highly experienced in soft tissue procedures and complex lump removals. All patients receive a full pre-operative assessment and anaesthetic monitoring throughout.
Histopathology
We strongly recommend sending the removed lump to a specialist laboratory for analysis. This confirms the type of tissue removed and ensures nothing is missed. Results typically take 7–10 days and give you complete peace of mind.
Veterinary Surgeon
Surgery performed by an RCVS Advanced Practitioner
Philip Simon is recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons as an Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery and holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Surgery. With over 15 years of experience in both first opinion and referral practice, Philip performs complex lump removals — including those requiring wide surgical margins or specialist technique — in-house. You won’t be referred to an unfamiliar face unless it’s genuinely necessary.
Dog Lump Removal Cost — Knaresborough & Harrogate
Lump removal costs vary depending on the size and location of the lump, the complexity of the procedure, your dog’s size and breed, and whether histopathology is required. We will always provide a full written estimate before any procedure goes ahead — no surprises.
Why Choose Your Family Vets for Dog Lump Removal
✓ Independent & Family-Owned
We’re not part of a corporate group. Every decision is made by Philip personally, based on what’s right for your dog — not a pricing matrix.
✓ Advanced Surgical Expertise
Philip is an RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery. Complex removals are handled in-house by someone you already know and trust.
✓ Continuity of Care
Your dog will be seen by the same team throughout — from initial assessment through to post-operative follow-up.
✓ Transparent Pricing
Written estimates provided before every procedure. No surprises. We discuss all options including costs openly so you can make an informed decision.
✓ New Patients Welcome
You don’t need to be a registered patient to book a lump assessment. We welcome new patients from Knaresborough, Harrogate, Wetherby, Ripon and across North Yorkshire.
✓ Cats Welcome Too
We remove lumps in cats as well as dogs. The same thorough assessment and surgical process applies to all small animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a lump on my dog needs removing?
Any new lump should be assessed by a vet. We will advise whether removal is recommended based on the type, size, location, and results of any initial testing. Not all lumps require surgery.
Is dog lump removal covered by pet insurance?
In most cases yes — lump removal is one of the most commonly claimed surgical procedures. Check your policy and ensure it was active before the lump appeared. Our team can provide the documentation your insurer requires.
How long does dog lump removal surgery take?
Most straightforward lump removals take under an hour. More complex cases involving larger lumps, sensitive locations, or wide margin removal may take longer. Philip will give you a full picture before the procedure.
Will my dog need to stay overnight?
Most dogs go home the same day. Philip will advise based on the complexity of the procedure and how your dog responds to anaesthesia.
What is histopathology and do I need it?
Histopathology is laboratory analysis of the removed tissue. We strongly recommend it — it confirms exactly what the lump was and ensures a cancer diagnosis is never missed. Results take 7–10 days and cost is typically £100–250.
Do I need to be a registered patient to book?
No — new patients are always welcome. You can book an assessment online or call us directly. If you’d like to register your pet at the same time, you can do that too.
Concerned About a Lump on Your Dog?
Book an assessment with Philip at our Knaresborough practice. We serve Harrogate, Wetherby, Ripon, Boroughbridge and surrounding North Yorkshire. New patients welcome — early assessment leads to better outcomes.
📍 61 Wetherby Road, Knaresborough HG5 8LH | 🌐 yfvets.co.uk