My 10-year-old Great Dane has a knot on his leg. What is it?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Brody. Given his age and the fact that he's a giant breed dog (who typically do not live as long as other breeds of dogs), there is a chance this could be a malignant growth. It could also be a cyst, lipoma, or benign growth. 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. I would try to get into his vet to get this checked out. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This could even be an abscess. 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 one!

This could be a cyst or an abscess. Without seeing Titus in person, I can't say for sure what this lump is, so I would have him seen by a vet to have this diagnosed and treated. I'd take him into a vet tomorrow since it's getting bigger.

Poor Axel! Because this swelling keeps getting bigger, I would be concerned that it is a cyst, a benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. I'm not sure what medications he was given, but clearly they aren't working if the swelling has gotten bigger. It's also concerning that he has stopped using the leg, not walking properly, and not eating. I would have Axel seen by the vet again today. I recommend having a fine needle aspirate done on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump 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. Once the cause of the swelling is found, the vet can discuss treatment options.

It looks like he might have an allergic dermatitis and skin infection. It would be best to have your vet take a look at him to determine the best way to treat. Your vet can do a skin scrape, cytology, culture, or biopsy, if needed, to help diagnose. He may need an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and/or other medications to help treat. You could also bathe him with a medicated shampoo, like DOUXO® Chlorhexidine and see if that helps.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. 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!

It could be Myles has strained or torn a ligament or muscle or he may have a problem with his back. Do not give him any more aspirin, it causes GI ulcers and bleeding in dogs. It's very concerning he is unable to stand or walk, and that tells me he is in a lot of pain. The best thing to do is take him into a vet now. The vet can diagnose what is causing his pain and can treat him. Best of luck.