My 2-year-old Samoyed has a growing crusty lump. What should I do?

This looks infected with either bacteria and/or yeast. I can't tell if anything else is going on like an abscess or tumor. Sophie needs to be re-examined and likely more tests done to determine what's going on.

A small area like this could be inflammation as a result of an insect bite or wound, inflammation as a result of bacterial infection (though usually we would see more then just one lump) or a growth/tumor of the skin (we can have benign growths that don't cause any health concerns or growths that are malignant and require removal). Unfortunately without an exam and a sample (taken with a needle most often ) we can't tell you for certain the cause. If it isn't bothering your dog I would continue to monitor it daily. It is from an insect bite or wound it should resolve over the next couple weeks. If it is still there in a month or is increasing in size or changing appearance then a vet visit to investigate the area further is warranted.

A black crusty lump could be a sebaceous gland tumor (usually benign), a papilloma, or a cancerous mass. Skin lesions can sometimes be identified just by looking at them. Do have your vet or one of the experts here to look at it first. If it can't be identified then having this mass biopsied and analyzed will lead to a proper identification. I hope this helps!

It’s a little difficult to see in your picture but I would guess that this is either from a skin infection/hot spot or a skin growth. I would recommend having a vet examine the area. Bambi may need antibiotics or other medication. The vet might shave the fur around this lesion to get a better look.

Hi, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! What you are describing on Molly could be anything from ringworm to a red button tumor. From what you are describing, this lesion sounds raised, so I'm more inclined to think something like the red button tumor, a papilloma, or an insect/spider bite/sting. Generally, those types of things are self-limiting, but I would recommend having it examined by a veterinarian to be sure, especially if it gets bigger and/or starts bothering Molly. Hope this helps!

Hi, and thanks for your question. This lump/bump/growth should be ideally examined by your local vet to have a diagnosis established. Your vet may want to perform an FNA (fine needle aspiration) or a biopsy to sample the bump and determine its underlying nature. Differentials would include skin cysts, infections, benign or more malignant type of tumors. 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!

Poor Blade! Without being able to actually see the lump or examine him in person, it's hard to say what this might be. It could be a localized infection or inflammatory reaction to an insect bite or something similar, a cyst, or even a skin tumor of some kind. I would recommend having the lump checked by your vet when you are able to. He/she can do a simple test called a fine needle aspirate if needed to determine what it is, and will advise you on whether it needs to be removed or not depending on the results.