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My dog has a circular, raised sore on her leg. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Neapolitan Mastiff | Female | spayed | 2 years and 4 months old | 75 lbs

My dog has a small circular sore/scrape/I’m not sure on her inner front leg. We originally assumed she scraped it on something (she loves escaping fences) but it hasn’t gotten any better. It’s now raised, she licks it and generally won’t let me clean it so i know it’s bothering her. I’m not sure what to do.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on October 9th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be due to ringworm. This could also be just a focal skin bacterial infection or secondary to an injury that has not healed, among other possibilities. You can use an e-collar to try to prevent further self trauma. I recommend that you have Tink evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and treat accordingly. Ringworm can be transmitted to humans so just in case this is what is going with Tink, wear gloves when handling this lesion. Good luck and best wishes!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on September 16th, 2017
This type of lesion is unfortunately quite generic and could be compatible either with a bacterial or fungal spot of skin infection. Allergic reaction from insect bite usually creates more swelling, but is possible as well.
A check up is unfortunately needed to determine underlying cause precisely and set up appropriate treatment plan.

Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 27th, 2018
This could indeed be ringworm lesions, but could also signs of an allergy, bacterial infection or other skin irritation. Best to take her to a vet on Tuesday to have your vet examine this and do a brush sample which then can be cultured for fungus. In the meantime wash your hands every time you touch or pet your dog, as a fungal infection is contagious to humans.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on December 9th, 2016
You are correct that it could be ringworm. In dogs, the characteristic lesion is circular with the center of it being red (it does look like the ones humans get), but it can be hairless. I would take Archie into the vet first thing in the morning to have the sore examined and diagnosed. If he does have ringworm, the vet will prescribe an anti-fungal to treat it.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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What is this painful, red, hard, green sore on my dog's leg?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like a small focus of infection. It could be due to allergies or even just secondary to minor trauma. You can try to shave around it and clean it. If it continues to look superficial (as it looks on the picture), you can consider applying a thin film of triple antibiotic on it in case it is just a mild infection. If it does not resolve within 1 week of starting such treatment, have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!

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My cat has a sore on his hind leg and cleans it. Should I see a vet?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be due to ringworm. This could also be just a focal skin bacterial infection, among other possibilities. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and treat accordingly. Ringworm can be transmitted to humans so just in case this is what is going with him, wear gloves when handling this lesion. Good luck and best wishes!

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My dog has a new skin spot. What could it be? Ringworm or infection?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be due to ringworm. This could also be just a focal skin bacterial infection, among other possibilities. I recommend that you have Tika evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and treat accordingly. Ringworm can be transmitted to humans so just in case this is what is going with Tika, wear gloves when handling this lesion. Good luck and best wishes!

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My puppy has a perfect circular sore on his leg. What could it be?

Poor Lazarus! This could be a bacterial or fungal skin infection, an allergy-related skin lesion, or a localized inflammatory reaction due to an insect bite or something similar. It's even possible that it could be a skin growth or tumor of some kind, especially if it feels raised vs. flat when you touch it. Treatment will depend on what the underlying problem is, so it's important to get a diagnosis first. I would recommend taking Lazarus to the vet for an exam. He/she can do some simple skin tests if needed. to help diagnose the problem and get him started on appropriate medication to treat it.

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My dog keeps licking her leg, losing fur. Is it infected or a tumor?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I can see the hair loss and crusting on Marley's hip, and what looks like a small amount of hair loss on her ankle. Depending on Marley's age, a tumor may be more likely. However, skin infections, particularly with fungi are also possible. A vet can take a small sample of skin to determine exactly what is going on, and prescribe antibiotics, medicated ointments/shampoos as needed. With how severe the area looks, it is unlikely to go away on its own. You can also get Marley an E-collar or "cone" to prevent her from licking/chewing the area and making it worse. Good luck with Marley!

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My dog is biting her leg. She has an itchy pink bump. Is it serious?

It looks like a possible lick granuloma which is from her licking. I would recommend an elizabethan collar and bringing her to a veterinarian so they can give medication to help her feel more comfortable while this heals. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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My dog licked her hind leg sore, now it's bald. Is it infected?

I highly recommend taking Ming to a veterinarian to have this area of her evaluated. It is hard to tell from the picture but it looks like there is a wound or abrasion on her skin. Your veterinarian will be able to fully evaluate her and see if she needs antibiotics to help. They also can provide medication so she isn't so itchy. If she is licking at the area I recommend getting an Elizabethan collar to prevent her from making this worse. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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