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My dog has a red, itchy leg growth. What is it and should I cone him?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Bulldog | Male | neutered | 12 years old | 110 lbs

Gunner has a growth emerging from his leg that we have noticed for about a month now. It does not seem to cause him pain but he does lick it often so we assume it itches. He is covered in moles which is what we thought this was originally but it grew to this size and then stopped. It doesn’t seem to ooze or bleed but is always red from licking. We try to keep him from licking it so much but both work outside of the home during the day. Should we cone him? What might this be?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 24th, 2020

Given Gunner's age, there is a chance this growth could be malignant. 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 his vet a call to make him an appointment.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on July 31st, 2017
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Any lump that grows quickly and is changing (dog is licking and skin is now red) warrants getting it looked at by a Vet. They may decide to aspirate it first before setting up surgery to remove it. A mass on the leg is a tricky location for removal since there isn't much skin there so removing any mass while it's small is best.

Good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on September 3rd, 2022
That's an interesting looking growth, it looks almost purplish in the photo. In a dog Huey's age, any growth has a chance to be malignant. 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. I would give his vet a call to make him an appointment. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 25th, 2019
That looks like it could be a growth of some sort, and it's concerning that it has doubled in size in a week. This is not something that can be treated at home. 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. I would give Athena's vet a call to make her an appointment. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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