My dog's leg has a mole that changed. Should I be concerned?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It's hard to say with out seeing a picture or examining Charlie. I always recommend any new skin bump be looked at by your Vet. If you want to watch it that is fine, but if it changes or rapidly grows it should be looked at. Sadly both benign and cancerous growth can look the same. If you want to post a picture I'd be happy to look at it. Have a great weekend!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds like you may have attempted to attach a photo to this question but there is nothing here for us to see. If the area is not bothering Coco, I recommend monitoring it for the next few days to see if it changes in size at all. If it remains the same or goes away, this is likely OK. The only way to know exactly what it is, is to have your veterinarian sample cells from this area and examine them under a microscope. I hope this is helpful!

Hello. This is probably one of the many benign skin nodules dogs can get. If it has been relatively quiet for the past several years, it is not likely a something neoplastic or of great concern. If it grows, changes color again, or begins to bleed, then it might be a good idea to just have it removed. Some benign growths can turn cancerous, although this is pretty rare. Do show this to your veterinarian at your next visit & thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Lady. This lump could be a cyst, a benign growth, or a malignant 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. Give her vet a call to make her an appointment. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing for sure without an examination though this represents a reason to seek veterinary care. This is usually determined with an examination and a fine needle aspirate (FNA) or a biopsy. Treatment depends on the findings up to that point. I recommend you have Maddy evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Is that supposed to be the same growth in both photos? The growth if the first photo looks suspicious for a malignant tumor. The tissue around the mass is swollen and the mass itself is raised and ulcerated; both can be signs of a malignancy. I cannot tell you for sure though just by looking at a photo. The second photo looks like a benign wart. In general, any new lumps/bumps should be examined by your vet. The first photo looks worrisome and I think you should have it checked in the next few days.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These can definitely feel firm as they usually do. These could be benign or malignant growths. 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 her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!