Why isn't my dog's crusty skin growth healing with topical treatment?

That appears to be a sebaceous adenoma - a benign skin growth. These are not concerning but can sometimes bleed or become infected. In that instance, it should be removed if it is causing constant issues.

Even though a picture would help to understand better the underlying cause, this presentation could be due to a localized persistent spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Hope this answer was helpful, but 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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

It is very common for older, small breed dogs to get these benign warts. I usually only recommend removal if they are causing issues (like this one). If you can't get it to heal you may have to have it surgically removed. I suggest you order this wound spray to put on it. Use as directed. If no improvement, have your vet check it out. ( https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vetericyn-Wound-Skincare-Hydrogel-Spray/dp/B071DQZCXD/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=vetericyn&qid=1563539479&s=gateway&sr=8-3 )

Since topical medication hasnt healed the area up Cali may need oral antibiotics to help clear up the ulceration that is on the surface of her wart. You may also want to consider talking to your vet about having the mass removed since it is causing her some distress and staying infected. In the meantime the best way to help it heal and keep her from licking it is the cone. I'm sorry, I know she probably hates wearing it, and I don't blame her. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck!

This looks like a typica skin wart/skin tumor or cyst. Since it has been present for so long and has not grown at all, it is probably benign (non cancerous). It looks as if the area has been irritated somehow, probably by your dog scratching at it, and is now bleeding and may be infected. Or, if it is a cyst, the white material may just be cystic exudate. I would recommend cleaning the area with some dilute hydrogen peroxide then applying some antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection and to help it heal more quickly. Occasionally these need to be removed but only if they are a constant source of irritation or infection for the dog. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck!

Unfortunately some of these cysts and adenomas do tend to rupture and become infected repeatedly. If that is the case we often do recommend removal to avoid this continuous cycle. It may also be advised to remove it to ensure that it is a benign adenoma and not something more concerning or aggressive.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Without seeing Bud it’s hard to say what’s going on with his skin. Skin tags usually look like cauliflower looking small lumps. They can get crusty if Bud scratches them. If the area on his skin is flat and crusty it could be evidence of a skin infection. I would recommend taking Bud to the vet to look at it to be sure. It’s not emergent however and both are very treatable. Good luck and kisses to Bud!