My dog has a raised, pus-covered lump on her shoulder. What is it?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is probably a small abscess or focus of infection. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian. They can prescribe a topical or systemic antibiotic for her which may be enough to treat this if they agree it is an infection. Good luck!

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 Lucy evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds like this wound that became a lump that is oozing fluid has become an abscess, or a pocket of infected fluid. Abscesses form when infection is trapped under the skin or within tissues such as fat or muscle. The bacteria will try to find a way out, so they can break through the skin and create a "draining tract" of pus. This should be addressed by your veterinarian, who will likely drain the abscess and open it up to allow continuous drainage. Antibiotics for at least 2 weeks will be needed, along with pain medications. Depending on the size of the wound/abscess, a bandage may be needed. I hope this is helpful! Thank you for seeking care for your Luna!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It could be a wound from trauma, tick/insect bite, or a histiocytoma. Histiocytoma’s are benign growths on young dogs that are pink raised button like masses that can ulcerate. They tend to form more often on the limbs. They also tend to go away on their own in a few months. You can clean it and apply an antibiotic cream and prevent licking up see if it resolves. It it persists or grows I’d have your vet look at it. I wish Luna the best!

This appears to be a possible pustule (infected small pocket underneath the skin). If just one of these is present and it isn't causing any discomfort, then I would suggest monitoring the area to see if it resolves on its own. You can gently clean the area with a mild soap (ie Dove) and warm water and placing a very thin layer of Neosporin to the bump to see if it goes away. However if it starts to spread or does not resolve within a week or two then a vet visit is needed to get Louie on a short course of antibiotics to get this to heal well. Best wishes and take care and I hope this resolved soon.

Hello. Lucas has a small infected plaque, but nothing to be overly concerned about. Do not pop this, but do pick up a skin antiseptic called Hibiclens ( available at all pharmacies ) & gently clean the area 2-3 times a day. If it pops on its own, just continue to clean the skin until it heals. Lucas should be just fine. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Suzie! It's hard to see the growth well from your picture and sadly a lot of skin growths can look the same, even benign vs cancerous ones. I always recommend that any new growths be evaluated by your Vet. Possible causes are: a skin infection, sebaceous adenoma, a wound or abscess, histiocytoma, mast cell tumor, etc. You can start with shaving the fur away from the growth, cleaning it twice daily with mild soap and water and then applying a triple antibiotic cream twice daily. If Suzie is licking the area use an E-collar to prevent that. If the area doesn't improve in a few days then have your Vet examine it. I hope this helps and I wish Suzie the best!