My dog has a strange leg growth he keeps biting. What is it?

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It looks like a skin tag. However, the fact that the area is bald suggests that Tripp has been scratching or biting on it. Please, monitor the area for a few days. If you notice that the tag is getting bigger or if it is bothering Tripp, you should get him checked by your local vets. In that case, surgical removal of the wart may be necessary.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear Marvin has been going through so many issues. It does appear that he has developed a growth on his back leg, and I do recommend all abnormal growths be evaluated by a veterinarian to determine if they are benign (non-cancerous) or not. While it could be a cyst, insect bite, or wart, there are certain types of skin cancer (such as mast cell tumors) that can look similar to what you are seeing. I would recommend Marvin see his regular veterinarian and have a needle aspirate to help determine what the growth might be, and determine any further treatment that may be needed. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I don’t think that looks like a bite wound. It looks more like a growth that has ruptured. I recommend having a vet look at it. If he is licking it, it is infected and needs antibiotics. If he isn’t walking and he is licking it, it is painful. A closer look by a vet may locate a cause. Good luck and kisses to Guero!

Hello. These look to be very typical warts. Just keep an eye on them to make sure they do not start enlarging. Generally, the only time we worry about warts is if a pet begins to chew on them causing bleeding. Otherwise, it is just a sign of aging & there is no need to really worry about them. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!

Hello, thank you for using PetCoach. This looks to be a histiocytoma tumor which is a benign tumor commonly found on the limbs and face of dogs. It is a benign tumor that usually will regress on its own within a few weeks/months with no treatment. Of course, I am just guessing. It is impossible to diagnose these things via the internet with just a photo. Here is an information sheet about histiocytomas in dogs for you to read. ( https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/skin-cutaneous-histiocytoma ) He should not be licking the tumor - if he is, you need to get him a cone collar to wear to stop that behavior. If he is just licking the paw, that is not likely related to the tumor and is a different issue. As always, if you are worried, you should take him to your vet for an exam. Best wishes.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It could be a wound from trauma, tick/insect bite, or a histiocytoma. Histiocytoma’s are benign growths on young dogs that are pink raised button like masses that can ulcerate. They tend to form more often on the limbs. They also tend to go away on their own in a few months. You can clean it and apply an antibiotic cream and prevent licking up see if it resolves. It it persists or grows I’d have your vet look at it. I wish Luna the best!