My dog has a hard, hairless bump on her head that hurts. What is it?

I'm glad to hear that by and large Roxy isn't bothered by this bump. It's possible that this bump could be due to a benign mass (histiocytomas are fairly common in young dogs), a malignant mass (although this would be far less likely given Roxy's young age), an abscess, granuloma, or other infectious issue. Regardless, it would be best to take Roxy to her vet for an exam to have this lesion checked out. Your vet will likely recommend some diagnostic testing to help determine the cause of this lesion. Most likely, they'll recommend a fine needle aspirate, which uses a needle to draw out a few cells for microscopic evaluation. Based on those findings, they'll be able to determine the best course of action, whether that may be surgical removal, medications, or just monitoring it for changes. I hope that everything goes well!

I am sorry that Aspen has developed a bump or lump on her skin. Thank you for providing pictures. From the pictures you have sent the "bump" appears to be a skin growth. There are several types off masses that can grow in the skin of dogs such as cysts, lipomas, and even cancers. Some are benign and some are malignant, so careful observation is important, as well as having a vet examine it if you are concerned. Since you only noticed the lump recently, I would continue to monitor it for growth, ulceration, changes in texture or color. Measure the mass with a ruler so you can compare its growth in a couple weeks time. Rapidly growing masses are more concerning. You can also try applying a cool compress and cleaning with warm salt water once daily if it needs it. If you notice any changes or rapid growth either take Aspen in for a vet appointment or post another question here on the forum. I hope that this answer was helpful and more importantly that Aspen feels better soon. Warmest regards to you both.

Hello. This could just be an odd looking cyst or wart, but it does not look overly aggressive or worrisome to me. Just point this out to your veterinarian at Chainz's next veterinary visit so it is documented in the record. At some point, removal may be recommended, but definitely not at this point in time. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi there. I think you should take Bella to your vet for an exam. Personally, I think it is likely a histiocytoma which is a benign mass that will often times clear up on it's own within a few weeks to months. However, I cannot diagnose this over the internet via photos. Here is an article about histiocytomas for you to read: https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1676 I think your vet should check this mass to be sure. There are MANY other types of masses this could be - some more serious than others. I hope this helps. Best wishes!

Without further testing, there is no way to tell if this growth is a malignant (cancerous) type that can spread elsewhere and/ or invade the healthy tissue around them, or a more benign (noncancerous) type that is unlikely to spread. In some cases abscesses can form due to infection, or bumps can form due to trauma/pressure on the area or due to allergies, but in this case the picture appears to be a raised mass of some sort. I recommend making an appointment to see your vet to have the growth tested. In many cases this can be done using a fine needle aspirate, where cells are removed from the growth using a needle and examined under a microscope to determine what it is and to guide treatment. In some cases further testing may be needed to determine the necessary course of treatment, but it is important to get new growths tested in a timely manner, as some can be cancerous and quite aggressive in their growth, and growths due to infection, allergy or trauma can lead to complications or be indicators of underlying health problems. In the meantime, if Rudy begins licking the area, make sure he wears a “cone” (also known as an e-collar or Elizabethan collar) at all times when he is not being directly supervised by you, including while sleeping to help prevent infection.

Keep an eye in this. It sounds like a benign nodule that may go away on its own. If its getting larger then you may want to have it surgically removed and biopsied when she gets spayed. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Nala.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This could even be an abscess. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. 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 him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!