My dog has a dark, bleeding growth that keeps coming back. What is it?

Hello and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I agree this sounds concerning and I recommend to have Kobe examined by the veterinarian.

With the history of a recurrent mass/injury, I'm concerned there is an underlying reason. There are a few reasons and one can be quite serious: a skin cancer called a Mast Cell Tumor.

Testing for this skin cancer is generally easy thankfully. Kobe shouldn't need sedation or stitches as long as he will stay still for a quick needle poke.

In the mean time, you'll want to protect the lesion from infection.

1. Stop any licking (since this can make it worse)
- Kobe should wear an elizabethan collar at all times.
- Remember that the collar must come out past his nose in order to be effective.

2. Next, wash the area once a day with either plain hand soap (like Dial) or a medicated pet shampoo. Rinse the area well and gently towel dry.

-This will help to control the number of topical pathogens as well as remove oil and dead skin cells.

3. Lastly, apply a topical antibiotic twice a day to the red areas. Make sure the skin is dry before application.

-Just a dab will do and rub it in well. Neosporin is fine to use.

4. Keep the paw clean and dry

*Always wear gloves to handle this lesion and wash your hands afterwards.

I hope things get figured out quickly!

Sincerely,

Dr. Elizabeth