My senior lab has a foul-smelling, pendulous, draining neck growth?

Hello. This pedunculated mass is just a very large skin tag, possibly related to a hygroma. It is not dangerous, but you should consider having it removed, especially since it has opened. There really is nothing to be drained as these are usually quite dense with tissue, so the biggest concern would be a possible infection. I would pick up a skin antiseptic called Hibiclens ( available at all pharmacies ) & gently clean the open part twice a day. Ace should do just fine & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It does look more cyst-like, but we never can tell for sure just by looking. If it's swelling and bleeding, then I think it's time to take it off. This type of tumor can likely be removed with light sedation and local anesthesia (numbing the area where it will be cut) - this would be favorable considering Dustin's other health problems. After removing it, the vet can inspect it and send to the lab if necessary in order to find out exactly what this is. It may help with identifying the nasal tumor if this hasn't been done. I hope that helps and Dustin gets better soon.

Poor girl. Because this mass is open and seems to be bothering her I would highly consider having this mass removed surgically. Sometimes if the mass is small (less than 2 cm's) we can do a sedative on the pet and quickly remove these. However if it is a larger mass then general anesthesia may be required. She also needs to be placed on oral antibiotics to keep this area from getting infected and daily cleaning of the mass as well. Sterile saline flushes can help keep this area relatively clean and then an e-collar placed on her can help prevent licking. If surgery isn't an option for you, then medical management with antibiotics, e-collar and regular cleanings may allow proper healing of the area, but in most cases surgical removal is the best option. Best of luck!

This mass is probably benign (not cancerous). However it seems to be causing some problems because it keeps opening up and bleeding. This could lead to infection and potentially a more serious problem. Since it is problematic I would recommend speaking to your vet about having it removed. It may be able to be done with only local anesthesia or light sedation.

Poor Abby! This is likely just a benign tumor but since it is growing I would have your vet take a look at it when they reopen next. I have seen some tumors that look benign that are actually cancerous. Your vet will be able to determine what type of tumor it is and whether or not it needs to be surgically removed. I hope this helps!

Hello, sorry to hear about Pounder. It sounds as though that lump may be a fatty tumor especially if it is not painful, firm, or hot to the touch. Other causes may include a malignant tumor which may need to be further assessed. The best way to obtain a diagnosis on benign vs a malignant mass is to get a needle aspirate of it and look at the cells under a microscope. Sometimes, a biopsy may also be necessary to obtain a diagnosis. The mass may be associated with his ear sensitivity, although, him being a lab, I would be suspicious of a separate issue with his ear such as an ear infection. Since Pounder is otherwise eating and drinking ok, I would recommend scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian at your best convenience to have his mass and ears looked at. Unfortunately, Labs are notorious for getting cancer and I would not recommend just monitoring this mass. Best of luck and hope this helps!

They could be sebaceous adenomas that have ulcerated and become infected. These growths are typically benign and common in older dogs. If this is the case, they should be surgically removed. This may not prevent them from developing elsewhere.