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My older Maltese has a growing skin bump. Is it a skin tag or serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 8 year old female Maltese has a skin-colored bump on the back of her neck. It started very small a few years ago but it has slowly grown. She doesn't go out in the sun very much. My dog's older sister has small bumps like this in various places on her body and her owner says it's from old age. Is my dog's bump a skin tag or age bump or does it seem dangerous? Please see the picture.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on July 1st, 2020

Thank you for the image. This is likely a benign skin mass known as a sebaceous adenoma. They are common in older dogs and arise from sebaceous glands in the skin. You would need to have your dog physically examined by your veterinarian for confirmation. Removal is recommended if the lump grows larger or becomes ulcerated, but others may grow in the same spot or different areas. Keep it clean and dry and be careful not to irritate it during grooming/brushing or bathing.

17Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on February 3rd, 2021
These look like they could be sebaceous adenomas. They are common in older dogs and are typically benign. They can be removed surgically if they grow too large or become ulcerated but this does not mean they will not regrow or grow in another spot.
You would need to have Chloe physically examined by your veterinarian for confirmation. Until then, monitor for rapid change or growth, discharge bleeding or pain associated with the bumps. These are symptoms that should be addressed by your veterinarian.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 3rd, 2017
This appears to be a little skin cyst. They get these when a gland gets blocked. It usually swells with an oily substance know a sebum. They do go away on their own and usually do not cause any problems.

Regularly check the bump though. If it grows quickly, changes color, or starts to have an irregular border, then she should go to the vet.
8Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 14th, 2021
It looks like it could just be a sebaceous cyst but the only way to know for sure is to have her examined by a vet. Your vet can aspirate the lump and examine the contents under a microscope and then determine if any treatment is needed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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