My dog had a hard black growth removed, leaving a hole. Cyst or tick?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Without seeing Buddy it is hard to say what the swelling was. From your description it sounds like a cyst. A cyst is a fluid-filled pocket under the skin. They can have fluid or a thick substance. Sometimes the contents can come out but the only way to fully treat a cyst is to have it surgically removed. If it isn’t bothering Buddy though, it doesn’t need to be removed. I would take Buddy to a vet to have this confirmed and they can discuss your options further. Good luck and kisses to Buddy!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. 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 her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!

This may be a cyst or a tumor, or a pimple (little abscess). You should have it examined by your veterinarian as tumors should be removed ASAP, especially if they are of a black color. An abscess can usually be treated with antibiotics and/or be lanced, and a cyst can be evacuated. Your vet may want to do a fine needle aspirate (he takes some material from the bump with a needle and then looks at it under the microscope) to determine whether the mass is concerning. You can also watch it for a few days and see whether it goes away again. I don't think it is anything terribly worrisome.

This does not look like a tick - it is more likely to be a skin cyst, a skin growth or papilloma or tumor, or possibly a wound caused by a grass seed / foxtail. Your vet will be able to identify what exactly it is and recommend treatment if indicated.

That almost looks like it is some sort of infected wound or possibly a ruptured cyst. Certain types of flies will also lay their eggs on the skin and the larva will migrate into the skin. I recommend to have Coco examined by his veterinarian to figure out what this is. Please feel free to post any additional questions.

Things like this can be an enlarged pore that has accumulated a wax ball or sometimes a cyst that has dried up and the body has blocked off. Generally these pets will be fine. Wash the area gently with soap and rinse it well. Gently pat it dry. Make sure Stella does not lick at it as this can make it inflamed and prone to infection. Look at it daily for any signs of redness, swelling or discharge. If these are seen, take her to the veterinarian. Generally these lesions will fill in and don’t require you to apply any treatment. They may also reappear at a later date. If anything looks suspicious, have it checked out. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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 her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!