My 2-year-old Shih Tzu has a crusty lump on her back leg. What is it?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Mollie! From your picture the area looks flat but moist with yellow discharge. I think it may be a hot spot which is a superficial skin infection. I recommend using an E-collar if licking, shave the fur and clean the area daily. When I treat them, I prescribe oral antibiotics, steroids and a topical spray. Along with shaving the area and using an E-collar they heal within 5-7 days. If it is more raised and mass like in person I would have your Vet examine the area. I wish you the best!

Hello, this looks like a histiocytoma, a benign tumor. Fairly common in younger dogs, it usually spontaneously regresses without treatment. Have your veterinarian take a look to make sure that it is not anything else. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It can be concerning when you find a lump/bump on your pet. This one in particular could be a bug bite based on its appearance, but a growth can't be completely ruled out. If it is somewhat squishy, then a cyst like growth is more likely. I would certainly get it examined by your vet who can palpate the area and make a better determination here. Otherwise, I wouldn't worry too much about this skin lesion for now. I do hope that your appt goes well with Beamer on tomorrow. Best wishes and take care.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It could be a wound from trauma, tick/insect bite, or a histiocytoma. Histiocytoma’s are benign growths on young dogs that are pink raised button like masses that can ulcerate. They tend to form more often on the limbs. They also tend to go away on their own in a few months. You can clean it and apply an antibiotic cream and prevent licking up see if it resolves. It it persists or grows I’d have your vet look at it. I wish Luna the best!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sadly a lot of skin masses can look the same. It could be a Mast Cell tumor (which is a cancerous growth that should be removed and biopsied), a cyst, a histiocytoma (though he is a bit old for that, they end to occur in younger dogs). Any skin bumps that is new, rapidly grows, changes or is possibly infected should be checked by a Vet. They can decide whether it should be aspirated and sent to the lab or removed surgically to send the entire specimen for biopsy. I hope this helps and I wish Boston the very best!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Since Odie is young, it is likely a benign growth called a histiocytoma. Histiocytomas are pink hairless, button like growths commonly found on the limbs of young dogs. They spontaneously regress on their own in 2-3 months. They tend to ulcerate before they regress. If the growth increases in size rapidly or Odie keeps traumatizing it or it doesn't resolve in a reasonable time frame consider surgical removal and biopsy. I hope this helps and I wish Odie the best!

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely a focal area of dermatitis. This is likely to resolve on its own as long as you prevent any further self-trauma (preventing her from licking at it for example). You can get an e-collar from your local pet store or simply just keep a very close eye on her to prevent further self-trauma. In most cases of mild infections, if this is done at home, they can resolve as long as you keep that area clean. If no improvement of worsening is noted in the next 3-4 days, then have her examined by your veterinarian. However, there is a good chance she can do well at home. She is adorable! Have a good night!