My husky has a bump on its leg. Is it a tick or a skin mass?

Hi there and thank you for your post! It sounds like when you attempted to remove it, you caused it to bleed a bit. Based on your description this sounds like a benign skin tumor but to be safe, I would have Kahuna's vet take a look at this to make sure it is nothing to be concerned about. Your vet can insert a small needle into the mass and look at the cells under a microscope to get a better idea of what it could be. If it is small enough and is benign, it can be removed with a local anesthetic or by freezing it with a cryogenic procedure. If it is suspicious looking though, your vet may want to remove it and send it out for further testing.

Skin masses like Oso's can be many things, and without seeing a photo it's difficult to guess, but generally they can be mast cell tumors, warts or melanomas. Since it's changing color, that does suggest it may be somewhat aggressive. I would monitor very closely for changes and not apply anything to it. If it gets bigger/changes color again, try and take Oso to your vet earlier. If it stays the same, October 1st isn't too far out and your vet will be able to diagnose what it is at that time. I hope that helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

It is difficult to know for sure without seeing it. I don't see a picture included so if you tried to upload a picture then it didn't work properly. With a tick, you can usually see some legs so if you don't see any legs then it could be a skin tag, especially since he seemed to be in pain when you tried to remove it. The best thing would be to have your vet take a look at it to determine the exact cause and treat. Continue to use a flea/tick prevention, like Frontline, NexGard, Bravecto, etc.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Thanks for the picture! It looks like an engorged tick. Gently lift it up and if you see 8 legs then it is a tick. Pull it gently off the skin where the head attaches to the skin or you can have your Vet for Vet tech remove it for you. I would change the brand of tick prevention you are using or start using one. I hope this helps!

That does not appear to be a tick, but a small mass or cyst. You have a couple options. The first is to have your veterinarian examine King and perform a simple fine needle aspirate of the lump. The samples collected can be submitted for pathology. This may provide a diagnosis. Treatment would depend on the results. The other option would be to monitor the lump for rapid change or growth. See your vet for an exam and aspirate if the lump causes discomfort, grows rapidly or changes appearance.

Based on the pictures, it does not look like a tick. It looks like a skin mass. Have your vet take a look at him to determine exactly what it is. Your vet may want to aspirate or biopsy to diagnose.

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