What's this lump on my dog's leg? Can a photo help identify it?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on December 7th, 2018

  This may be an abscess, a cyst or a tumor. You should have it examined by your veterinarian, as it is not possible to distinguish these by just looking at a photo. An abscess can usually be treated with antibiotics and/or be lanced, and a cyst can be evacuated. To identify a tumor, your vet may want to do a fine needle aspirate (he takes some material from the bump with a needle and then looks at it under the microscope) to determine whether the mass is concerning.

  

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• Answered By Rebecca, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 27th, 2018

  Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It is impossible to diagnose the growth on MIa's leg by picture. I recommend taking her into the veterinarian to have it assessed. It does appear to be a small mass or growth, so your vet may recommend cytology or biopsy to determine if it is benign or malignant.

  

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• Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 8th, 2018

  Hello. I would bet that this is a benign intradermal cyst as it just does not have the look of anything malignant or dangerous. It is not an abscess & since it has not changed greatly in the past 10 months, it is definitely not anything to be overly concerned about. If you are planning to spay her, removing the cyst is an excellent thing to do as this will be curative. If you or your vet are still curious as to what it is, send the entire thing to the lab for histopathology & you will get a definitive diagnosis. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful