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My dog has a bleeding lump. When to see a vet & get affordable care?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 5 years and 1 month old | 10 lbs
My dog has a lump that is bleeding its small maybe the size of a quarter or smaller. I dont know if she got bit by something but i need to know when or if i need to take her in. And if there is a way to get a cheeper visit. Im currently unemployed
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on September 7th, 2017
It's hard to tell from just looking at a mass what it is exactly. I can tell that the area around it is inflamed. There are benign masses (hemangioma) that can form on the skin and bleed. It also could just be infected. There are also masses that can be cancerous.
I recommend that you clean the area gently with mild soap and water twice daily then apply a triple antibiotic cream. If the area doesn't start to improve by early next week, I would have it looked at.
Some local SPCA's have low cost veterinary clinics. You can call your local shelters and see if they offer them.
I hope this helps and I wish you and Leahlah the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Sarah Smith, Bsc (Hons) BVM&S MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on April 1st, 2018
As your pet is showing no signs of being unwell this situation would not be considered an emergency, however I would recommend booking an appointment with your regular veterinarian so that they may assess the lump and recommend a course of action. There can be many causes of superficial lumps ranging from infections from small puncture wounds, to benign (non cancerous) masses and malignant (cancerous) masses. After your veterinarian takes and medical history and examines the lump they will be able to suggest ways in which to investigate it further. This may include a fine needle aspirated of the mass (using a needle to obtain a sample of cells that can be looked at under the microscope), an incision a biopsy (where a small part of the mass is removed and examined by a pathologist) and an excisional biopsy (where the whole mass is removed and examined by a pathologist). It is always better to get lumps checked whilst they are still small to make removal easier and less invasive if that is deemed necessary.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 12th, 2023
Hello and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This is a mass/ tumor that has broken open. It may be benign or cancerous and the only way to know which is to send it off for analysis. This growth should be surgically removed as it runs the risk of being a chronic source of infection since it has ruptured. Your veterinarian can send it off for analysis once it is removed. Thank you
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on October 22nd, 2018
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 Lulu evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. You could consider your local humane society which sometimes offers more affordable veterinary care. Good luck and have a good day!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful