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My dog has a red, growing bulge on his toe. What could it be?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 93 lbs

My dog on one of his back lega a bulge started growing on one if his toes. Sometimes is very red then normal color. What could it be?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Amber W

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on September 2nd, 2017

Hello and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. A growth like Spike has on his toe could be related to infection, a benign mass like a cyst, but unfortunately it could also be a cancerous growth. It would be best to schedule a visit to your veterinarian so that he or she can obtain a small needle aspirate sample from the growth and decide if it is cancerous. A lot of growths on the toes can be cured if removed surgically. I hope for the best outcome for Spike!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 8th, 2020
Any lumps/bumps that you notice on your dog should be checked out by your vet. Lumps in this location can be any of these things:

* abscess (infection)
* cyst
* cancer (benign or malignant)

There is no way I can tell you what it is just based on your description or by looking at a photo but I have a suspicion that this lump is a histiocytoma. If so, it should go away on it's own with no treatment. Here is link about it. It is still best to have your vet check it.

( https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952066 )
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 4th, 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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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