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My dog has a hard, scaly lump on her chest after tick removal. Normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 9 years and 5 months old | 35 lbs

My dog has a somewhat scaly, hard, large lump on her chest where I had found and removed a tick several weeks ago. Should I be concerned or is this normal and nothing to worry about? I can't tell if she's lethargic or having pain walking because that's how she always is.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Anna M., DVM

Answered By Anna M., DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 29th, 2017

Hello! It's difficult to tell for sure, but what I think I'm seeing in the photo is a nipple towards the upper left aspect of the photo, and an oval yellowish area below - I'm guessing that's where you believe the tick was removed?

It is very common for dogs to get a small hard scab where a tick was removed, and as long as that scab is not red, inflamed, and has no discharge, it typically resolves on its own. Dogs do not get the stereotypical "bulls-eye" lesion that we watch for in humans to indicate Lyme disease exposure. However, if the lesion in question is that yellowish oval area, that would not be a normal response to a tick bite, and I would have that checked out by a vet.

Your vet will be able to look at the lump and determine how concerned they are, and they will likely want to take a small sample with a needle to look at the cells in the microscope (cytology) to determine what is causing the lump. Additionally, if there is concerned about tick exposure, they can test for exposure to the tickborne diseases such as Lyme disease.

I hope this helps!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    It is quite hard to see the photo, but there is certainly something going on. The skin looks reactive, this could simply be due to the tick causing irritation or it could be an infection. Sometimes the mouth part of the tick can get lodged and cause infection. You can bathe the area in warm salty water and if it is not improving or feels hot or swollen i would visit the vet.

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    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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