My golden retriever has a bleeding growth on his tail. Is it cancer?

Hello there, You're absolutely doing the right thing by Finn for getting the mass biopsied, and it sounds like your vet's plan is perfect. Judging from the picture, there are two main types of masses that can appear similar to this in a young dog. One is called a histiocytoma, which is a benign growth of allergic type cells. These generally do not return after surgical removal and require no further treatment. The other type is called a mast cell tumor. This is a type of cancer that's severity heavily depends on the staging. If the mass is a mast cell tumor, the biopsy will give you staging information that can help determine the severity. In the event it is cancer, it may require extensive follow up and treatment. Both of these types of masses are easily irritable, so the bloodiness during grooming doesn't alarm me either way. I will keep my fingers crossed for young Finn to have a benign result during his test this week! I hope this has been helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Otis Lee. He will need to see his veterinarian for a procedure known as a fine needle aspirate. The veterinarian will use a small needle to collect a sample of cells to evaluate under the microscope. This will ideally give you a diagnosis for the bump. A histiocytoma is common on the extremities of a young dog. This is a spontaneous growth usually goes away on its own. However, a cancerous mass known as a mast cell tumor has the same outward appearance. In the meantime, place an E-collar on him to prevent any further self-trauma. I hope this information helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Stella. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. The area should be shaved of all hair so that it can be thoroughly examined. She may have a wound that requires antibiotics or a mass that has grown on the tail. If a mass is present, surgery will be recommended if it is bleeding and bothering her. I hope this information helps!

Hello. From the photo that you provided, this looks like a growth that may be benign or malignant. It may also be a cyst. Your veterinarian can try to do a fine needle aspirate on the lump in order to determine if it is urgent to surgically remove it. As to whether the hot spot caused it…. that is not likely. Your pet may be licking or chewing at it and it may have had some part in causing the hotspot, but I cannot say for sure. Your next step should be trying to determine if surgery is needed to remove it. Your veterinarian can help you with that. Thank you.

Hi there. Lipomas do not typically have hair loss or redness associated with them, so based on its appearance here, I would be concerned that it may be some other type of tumor. If it is becoming necrotic and leaking fluid, it's likely that surgical removal is indicated regardless of what the specific tumor type is. I would recommend having this mass evaluated by a veterinarian in person to discuss next steps, but my guess is that it likely needs to be removed.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Dexter. I agree, that is concerning that this hard lump is now bleeding, and this lump could be something serious. It could be a hemangiosarcoma (malignant) or hermangioma (benign), which are tumors that develop from blood vessels and look like a blood blister. Given his age, there is a chance it could be another type of malignant tumor, like a mast cell tumor, but it could also be benign. Unfortunately without seeing him in person, I cannot say for certain. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump to get a sample of its cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. Once the cause of the lump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options if needed. Give his vet a call to make him an appointment. I hope this helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Tipper. You are doing everything right by using the disinfectant solution to keep it clean. Unfortunately, without surgical removal, the cycle will likely continue. You will need to discuss risks versus benefits of anesthesia at her age. I hope this information helps!