My dog has an armpit sore. Is it kidney-related and needs urgent care?

Poor Cooper! Skin lesions can be caused by bacterial, parasitic or fungal infection, dietary or environmental allergies or sensitivities, immune system disorders, or a combination of the above. Based on the pictures it looks like Cooper’s skin is likely causing him pain, but dogs are very good at hiding signs of discomfort. I recommend making an appointment to have Cooper seen by your veterinarian to help determine the cause of the sores you’ve noticed and to make sure they are treated appropriately. The vet will likely wan to look at a sample from the area under the microscope to determine if there is an infection and to figure out what medication is appropriate for treatment.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. It is difficult to make out exactly what this is based on the pictures, but it appears to be an ulcerated sore that has opened up on the paw pad. I would recommend having this looked at by your veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. This sore could be a mass or an infected wound. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

From the excellent picture you have provided it looks like Winstyn may have moist dermatitis, or a "hot spot". Unfortunately, hot spots often require a trip to the vet for clipping of the area, cleaning, and prescription of a healing spray / ointment with antibiotics and a steroid. All of these interventions will help the area heal quickly, and minimise the level of discomfort that Winstyn has to experience. Due to the location of the sore it will particularly difficult to treat at home. In the meantime you can help Winstyn by; Placing a an e-collar to prevent him biting or attracting at the sore and making it worse Attempt to air out the area as much as possible to help it dry out. This is key to healing. Do not attempt any medications at home as they can cause pain and in some cases delay healing. I hope this is a helpful answer and that Winstyn feels better soon. Warmest regards to you both.

You had asked what might cause this -- possibilities include an [anal gland abscess](https://www.petcoach.co/article/anal-glands-sacs-impactions-infections-abscesses-in-dogs), [other infection](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/skin-ulcers-and-draining-lesions/) or possibly a tumor. Unfortunately, without a physical exam, a diagnosis cannot be made. Your veterinarian should be able to diagnose the cause after the exam tomorrow. Until then, place an [e-collar](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/well-and-good-e-collar) (cone) on your dog to prevent licking or chewing. Any treatment will depend on the diagnosis. It is likely the e-collar will need to be kept on until healing is complete.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It looks like the sore is around the last nipple - it looks red, round and flat. It is concerning that the sore is so red, as this may be a sign of an infection or a tumor. I recommend having Ashton looked at by a vet soon, especially if the area is bothering Ashton, or bleeding/having discharge. Your vet can take small samples from the skin to determine exactly what is going on. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think that this looks severe enough that it warrants a veterinary evaluation to shave and clean the area appropriately and also start him on antibiotics to treat a possible infection. They can assess how it looks on a close examination and treat it accordingly. Good luck and have a great day!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would be very concerned that this is actually a skin cancer. This is something that can be checked by fine needle aspiration or biopsy. Treatment would depend on the findings. A veterinarian could at the very least start Kora on pain control medications as this is likely causing her pain. I am so sorry that she is going through this. I am really hoping they can help her. Best of luck!