My dog has a bleeding hard lump on her hip. What should I do?

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!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It looks like it could be a sebaceous cyst that got infected and ruptured. These are benign but sometimes they do keep opening and become bothersome to the pet until you surgically remove them. That being said, in a dog of this age, I always recommend seeing your vet for a closer inspection and a needle aspirate if needed- just to make sure it’s something benign. For now, I recommend an E-collar for Hank so that he can lick/chew at it. Then clean the wound with some hydrogen peroxide. Best wishes to you and Hank!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Thanks for the pictures! Many skin masses can look the same. Red dermal masses, like this one, can be benign or malignant. Some possibilities are an inflamed sebaceous adenoma, hemangioma, histiocytoma or it could be a Mast Cell Tumor. Since it showed up quickly I would have Oscar seen by your Vet. They can decide if aspirating it (sticking it with a needle and sending the slides to the lab) or removing the mass and sending it for biopsy is best. I hope this helps and I wish you and Oscar the best!

Poor Gidget! Without being able to see it in person, it is difficult to say for sure. I would have your vet take a look at it since it is hairless. It is likely just a fatty tumor but I have seen a malignant type of skin tumor called a mast cell tumor look like that. Granted, we do have to keep in mind her age. You may decide just to keep her comfortable and make sure the area doesn't get infected and that isn't a wrong decision either. Your vet will be able to determine whether or not it is malignant and also make sure the part that is bleeding isn't going to get infection. A dog her age would have a hard time getting over an infection if left untreated. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I recommend taking Sable to the vet to look at the growth closer and find out what it is. The vet can stick a needle in it and look at the cells under a microscope to determine if it’s cancerous or not. Because the tissue/skin is fragile it likely won’t stop bleeding and may need to be surgically removed. I would leave it alone until the vet looks at it so you don’t disrupt the blood clot that forms. Good luck and kisses to Sable!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing for sure without an examination though this represents a reason to seek veterinary care. This is usually determined with an examination and a fine needle aspirate (FNA) or a biopsy. Treatment depends on the findings up to that point. I recommend you have Gunnar evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Bobo. This bump could be a cyst that has now ruptured, or it would be a benign or malignant growth. It may be bleeding because he's been picking at it. Apply gentle pressure to stop the bleeding, then put a bandage on it to protect it. Take him into the vet in the morning to get it diagnosed and treated. Best of luck.