My dog has a growing, painless leg bump. What if I can't afford a vet?

Without a physical exam or diagnostics, it is difficult to determine if this is something to worry over. Ideally, a fine needle aspirate or biopsy should be done to collect samples for pathology. This may provide a diagnosis. X-rays of the limb may be recommended to rule out bony involvement. Since you state it is growing, it should be removed before it becomes too large. As it is, that is a difficult area to close after a mass removal.

This bump on Aspen's leg could be a cyst, a lipoma, a benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. Any suspicious bumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the bump to get a sample of it's cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. I would take Aspen into the vet tomorrow to have the bump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated.

With how quickly the bump appeared on Ellie, I recommend having your veterinarian take an aspirate of it. An aspirate consists of your veterinarian placing a needle in the growth to try to collect cells. They can then evaluate it under a microscope or send it to a pathologist to evaluate. This may or may not get us a complete answer. The bump could be a benign (non-cancerous) growth but it also could be something to be concerned about. The best way to determine if this is something at all to be concerned about is to remove the growth under anesthesia, send the growth to a pathologist and have a pathologist examine the tissue.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. Given the fact that it is growing quickly, a malignant tumor is more likely. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing for sure without an examination though this represents a reason to seek veterinary care. This is usually determined with an examination and a fine needle aspirate (FNA) or a biopsy. Treatment depends on the findings up to that point. I recommend you have Maddy evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!

Sorry to hear that Didis is having these issues. Based on the photo, that appears to be some sort of mass that is now ulcerating. The area should be treated as if it were an open wound that is infected, and thus, she should be receiving antibiotics orally. The only way to obtain these will be with a veterinary examination and a prescription. If this is not possible, the best thing you can do is shave the hair that is surrounding the lesion, scrub the area with dilute betadine or chlorhexidine, and keep it as clean as possible. You can also apply something topically to the lesion such as triple antibiotic, though his may or may not be effective. Do not bandage or cover the area, as this will only serve to trap bacteria into the area. Hope this helps.

This lump could be a cyst, abscess, lipoma, benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump to get a sample of its cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. Once the cause of the lump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options if needed. Give her vet a call in the morning to make her an appointment. Best of luck.