Sydney Animal Hospitals: Free Lump Checks for Pets

Sydney Animal Hospitals - with clinics at Newport and Valon, is offering free lump checks for cats and dogs throughout October and November - encouraging owners to get their pets checked as part of regular preventative care.

Lumps and bumps are common in pets, especially as they age, but many owners don’t realise that some can be serious. Early detection can make all the difference, and a quick check-up could potentially save a life.

“We’re encouraging all pet owners to bring their dogs and cats in for a free lump check this spring,” says Sydney Animal Hospitals vet Dr Sam Haynes. “It only takes a few minutes, but it can lead to early treatment and a much better outcome. Prevention and early detection are key.”

“Lumps on an animal can be a sign of an underlying health issue such as cancer so it’s really important that pet owners get onto these early."

“Last year’s Lump Amnesty saw nearly 1000 free checks carried out at seven clinics across Sydney with almost 15% of pets having cancerous lumps detected.”

In Australia, cancer is a leading cause of death in dogs affecting approximately one in four dogs in their lifetime. The rate increases to nearly 50% for dogs over the age of 10.

“We find older dogs are more likely to develop both benign growths like lipomas and also malignant tumours such as mast cell tumours or soft tissue sarcomas,” says Dr Sam.

“It’s important pet owners seek out a veterinary examination for their animals so they can make sure any lumps or bumps don’t have the potential to be dangerous.”

Breeds which are genetically predisposed to particular tumour types:

• Mast cell tumours: Boxers, Boston Terriers, Pugs, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Beagles, Labradors
• Lipomas (fatty lumps): Labradors, Cocker Spaniels, Dobermans, Miniature Schnauzers
• Histiocytomas: Boxers, Great Danes, Flat-Coated Retrievers
• Melanomas: Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Scottish Terriers, Dobermans
• Soft tissue sarcomas: Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, German Shepherds
• Squamous cell carcinoma: Dalmations, Bull Terriers, Whippers, White Shepherds, Boxers and cats

“It’s also a timely reminder heading into Summer to check your pets for any sign of skin cancers as well,” says Dr Sam.

“Short-coated and fair-skinned breeds are particularly susceptible to damage from UV rays which can penetrate their coat more easily and damage the skin underneath.”

The free lump checks run throughout October and November at all seven Sydney Animal Hospitals clinics with 5% of money raised from lump removals donated to Assistance Dogs Australia.

About Sydney Animals Hospitals

The Sydney Animal Hospitals team are passionate about providing the highest standard of veterinary care to pets and their families across Sydney. With seven clinics across Sydney and a dedicated team of experienced veterinarians, nurses, and support staff, they offer a full range of services - from routine check-ups and vaccinations to advanced diagnostics, surgery, and emergency care. Their mission is to help pets live longer, healthier, and happier lives. The group focus on compassionate care, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to treating every pet like family.

Clinics are at Newtown, Inner West, Norwest. Kellyville, Baulkham Hills, Newport and Avalon. For more information visit sydneyanimalhospitals.com.au