What is this red growth on my Golden Retriever's lip? I'm worried.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Biff. Skin growths/masses typically fall into a few categories. Raised growths can be tumors (benign or malignant), granulomas (a collection of inflammatory cells), and some assorted epidermal growths. If this lesion persists, enlarges, changes in any way other than shrinking, I would have your veterinarian evaluate Biff. They can get a history and do an examination of the area in question. They may advise some diagnostics (fine needle aspirate, biopsy) to determine what it is or may just advise removing it (excising it) and submitting the growth to a pathologist so they can determine what it is. Some skin growths shrink and resolve over time so if it persists, enlarges, starts to bleed, looks different, again I would have your vet check it out right away. From a clinical standpoint, it looks like a benign growth but I have learned over the years that you never know until you do some diagnostics. Good luck with Biff and I hope this resolves without incidence.

Hi there! It does look like Fynn does have a small nodule/mass. This could be a benign growth such as a focal infection site or a malignant growth like a mast cell tumor. This is most of the time differentiated with a test called a fine needle aspirate which is easy, cheap and pain-free. Sometimes, a biopsy is required for a diagnosis. Have Fynn evaluated by your veterinarian to have this test performed to try to sort out what the diagnosis is so that the best course of action can be determined. Keeping my fingers crossed that it is something benign!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sadly a lot of skin masses can look the same. It could be a Mast Cell tumor (which is a cancerous growth that should be removed and biopsied), a cyst, a histiocytoma (though he is a bit old for that, they end to occur in younger dogs). Any skin bumps that is new, rapidly grows, changes or is possibly infected should be checked by a Vet. They can decide whether it should be aspirated and sent to the lab or removed surgically to send the entire specimen for biopsy. I hope this helps and I wish Boston the very best!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Thanks for the pictures! Many skin masses can look the same. Red dermal masses, like this one, can be benign or malignant. Some possibilities are an inflamed sebaceous adenoma, hemangioma, histiocytoma or it could be a Mast Cell Tumor. Since it showed up quickly I would have Oscar seen by your Vet. They can decide if aspirating it (sticking it with a needle and sending the slides to the lab) or removing the mass and sending it for biopsy is best. I hope this helps and I wish you and Oscar the best!

Hello, sorry to hear about Tippu. The skin directly on that nodule does look different compared to the surrounding skin. I would be worried that it could potentially be something malignant, especially if it continues to bleed and is not bigger. It may be small enough to remove on its own and submit it for histopathology. If it comes back positive for a malignant tumor, and clean margins were not achieved, then potentially amputation of the tail may follow biopsy. If it is malignant, then you will likely need to obtain chest x-rays and maybe an abdominal ultrasound to rule out evidence of spread. Hope this helps and best of luck.

The photo is a little fuzzy so its hard to say. It may be an oral papilloma, which is due to canine papillomavirus. Typically these resolve on their own, but many more may pop up over the next few weeks on his lips and in his mouth. It could also be an inflamed hair follicle or a skin infection. If its not resolving over the next few days to weeks, or if it seems to be getting worse or causing him discomfort, please take him to your vet to be evaluated. Here is an article on canine papilloma virus. http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/oral-papilloma-virus-dogs Thanks for asking PetCoach!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!