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Cocker Spaniel paw growth: Infection or tumor? When to see vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Cocker Spaniel | Female | spayed | 19 lbs

I just noticed this huge growth on my cocker spaniel's back paw. She is around 9-11 years old. What is this growth? Is it an infection, or extremely serious? Should we take her to the vet ASAP? Thank you so much.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on June 25th, 2017

Poor Annabelle! From the photo, it certainly looks like it could be an infection of some kind. It could also be a skin growth or tumor. If she's acting normal otherwise, I wouldn't consider this an emergency - but it would be best to have it checked by your regular vet tomorrow, if possible. He/she can take a closer look and may also do a simple test called a fine needle aspirate to help determine what this lump is. Depending on the results, she may need antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication to treat it, or it may need to be surgically removed.

For tonight, you could try soaking her paw in warm water and Epsom salts to help relieve some of the swelling and irritation, if it seems to be bothering her. This won't treat the underlying problem, but it may help to make her a bit more comfortable until you are able to see the vet.

5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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