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My dog has a lump and abrasions on her elbow. Does she need a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Female | spayed | 2 years and 10 months old | 48 lbs

I just noticed small abrasions on my dog's front "elbow." Two spots had blood, which cleaned away. Below these is a small mass consistent with a sebaceous cyst. I rescued her from a shelter where she was left to lay a contrete floor, so I can understand the inflammation. I cleaned it with soap and water, H2O2, and may keep it covered with an antibiotic ointment under bandage. No sign of fever, malaise, etc. Warm compresses and clean the area regularly? Thanks.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on July 25th, 2018

I would have this lump on Laila checked out by a vet first. While it could be a cyst, there is always a chance it could be something more serious like a malignant tumor (although the chances are low in a young dog). It's also important to have any lump checked out by a vet to make sure it isn't something concerning. Should it be a cyst, an antibiotic ointment will not do anything for it, and I would only recommend warm compresses and cleaning it if the cyst was opened and draining. Do not try to pop it! Typically you can leave these cysts alone as long as it isn't bothering your dog and isn't getting bigger. First step is to have it definitively diagnosed by a vet, so I would give her vet a call for an appointment. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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