My dog has a spot on her chest that doesn't bother her. Is it serious?

Hello and thank you for your question. I recommend to have your pup examined by the veterinarian. Skin masses can be many things but red/pink raised masses are especially concerning for a skin cancer called a Mast Cell tumor. This cancer can spread to the internal organs. Your veterinarian will need to collect a sample of cell to examine under the microscope to determine what this is and if further treatment is needed. Have this checked out soon. Fingers crossed this is not a MCT and is something benign instead but you can't tell by looks. I hope this helps.

It could be a hot spot (moist dermatitis) or an injury of some sort. It is difficult to determine where on Caesar it is located from the image provided. You have two options. The first is to have him examined by your veterinarian. The area may need to be shaved to provide a better look at it. Afterwards, your vet can diagnose it and administer the appropriate treatment. This could be antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications if it is a hot spot. The second option is to monitor it at home. Use an e-collar (cone) if he is licking or chewing at it. Keep it as clean and dry as possible. You can use a plain, unscented baby wipe or a pet wipe to gently clean it. If it doesn't resolve or causes discomfort, then Caesar will need to got to the vet. Monitor for rapid change or growth, discharge, bleeding, lethargy or pain associated with the site. These are symptoms that should be addressed by your veterinarian.

Hello and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It is a bit hard to see this lesion but from the photo, it looks like there is a dark center. If this is true, it usually indicates tissue necrosis. This could be from a poisonous spider bite, an infected tick bite, a burn, an underlying abscess or a foreign object trapped under the skin. I do recommend to make an appointment for River in the next day or two for an exam. In the mean time, protect the lesion from trauma. Keep it clean and dry. Keep her indoors and laying on soft/clean surfaces. If River can lick at it, have her wear an elizabethan collar. If she can scratch it, have her wear a loose fitting doggie t-shirt. You can also by nail caps for the hind nails to dull the nails. I hope this helps and that she heals up quickly. Sincerely, Dr. Elizabeth

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From the picture, I can see a small, flat, brown area that is slightly irregular. Though I cannot diagnose Mindy without seeing her in person, I would be happy to share some possible causes and advice on next steps. This could be a benign growth, similar to a mole or freckle on a person or a malignant growth (cancer). Several types of cancer can affect the skin, particularly lighter areas that have less hair. The area does not seem to be infected, as there is no discharge, redness, or swelling, but a bacterial or fungal infection is a possibility. You can have Mindy evaluated by a veterinarian who can take a small piece, or biopsy of the area to definitively diagnose the growth. This may require light sedation or general anesthesia to completely remove it. You can continue to monitor the area for an increase in size, margins, change in color, or additional discharge. If you notice any change in Mindy, you should definitely have her examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. I hope this helps!

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Looking at the picture you attached, it could be a couple of things. It could be a benign mass, like a skin tag, that has become irritated. There is unfortunately also a type of skin cancer called hemangiosarcoma that can look like this though. I would recommend taking her into your vet. They will likely ask you how long it has been there, about any changes in size/shape, and recommend a small skin biopsy. I hope this answers your question.

The region shown in the picture is consistent with a hotspot. Hot spots occur when an animal scratches or choose at an until damage is done to the skin. They can often progressbvery quickly and become quite severe if not treated. If the area is continuing to enlarge or if Garret seems uncomfortable I would recommend that you have him seen by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may clip and clean the area and prescribe medications to help it heal. In the meantime I would recommend that you try to prevent Garret from scratching at the area. You can put a t-shirt on him to protect that area.

I recommend to have Cash examined by the veterinarian. Skin masses can be many things but red raised masses are especially concerning for a skin cancer called a Mast Cell tumor. This mass could also be a benign Histiocytoma. Unfortunately, they look alike. Your veterinarian will need to collect a sample of cell to examine under the microscope to determine what this is and if further treatment is needed. Protect the area from itching with a dog shirt and he shoudl wear an elizabethan collar at all times if he can reach the area. If it is a Histiocytoma, sometimes inject steroid into the lesion can cause it to shrink and stop itching. Have this checked out soon.