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My dog has multiplying fluid bumps, vet can't diagnose. What now?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bluetick Coonhound | Male | neutered | 3 years and 1 month old | 80 lbs

Hello! My blue tick coonhound has been suffering from some kind of skin condition for a few months now and our vet doesn't seem to know what is causing it. He has developed pimple like pustules on his neck, armpits, back, and even on his toes and heel. The bumps vary in size, range from red to a bluish purple color, and are filled with clear to pink fluid. They don't seem to make him itch, nor do they seem to be painful, but they are multiplying. Help!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 12th, 2017

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. From the picture you provided, the fluid in these bumps you are expressing looks to be pus to me. If Isaac has not been on a course of antibiotics I would get him on a 3-4 week course of an antibiotic like cephalexin or cefpidoxime. Addutional to oral antibiotics, i would recommend the following:
1. Douxo PS chlorhexidine combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly until the infection is resolved
2. Welactin omega 3 fish oil
3. Essential 6 spot on by dermoscent

If there is no improvement, I would recommend further testing such as culturing the material in the pustules and a skin biopsy. A visit to a veterinary dermatologist should be considered if your vet is unable to make a diagnosis as a second opinion from a specialist is always helpful in these puzzling dermatological cases. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any further questions or concerns you may have. I am also available via consultation if needed.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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