What is this red mass on my 3-year-old Yorkshire Terrier's skin?

I always recommend any new skin masses to be checked out by the veterinarian. Sometimes the doctor will know what it is by examining it. More often though, they need to collect a small sample of cells and look under the microscope. Especially concerning are pink/red masses as they can be a cancer called a Mast Cell Tumor (although other benign growths can look similar). It’s always better to be safe. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

I am sorry to hear about your concern for Charlie! I would recommend a visit to the vet for an examination. This mass is ulcerated, which is more concerning than a subcutaneous mass. When we have a mass in this area I am also concerned it could actually be a sign of an infected tooth root which sometimes abscess to the skin in this area. Your vet can look the area over. If a tooth is suspected as the cause they may recommend an x-ray. Otherwise they may recommend cytology of the mass to determine the best treatment.

Hello, younger dogs get benign red tumors like that known as hemangiomas. Older dogs may still get them, however, the malignant version hemangiosarcomas would also be very possible. Its likely that to determine wether benign or malignant, the mass will have to be removed and submitted for biopsy. Once results are obtained, then your veterinarian will be able to guide you with the next appropriate step. Hops this helps and best of luck.

That mass could be several things. Red raised hairless masses can be benign growths such as warts, histiocytomas, reactions or infected hair follicles. They can unfortunately also be malignant grows such as Mast Cell Tumor or Plasmacytoma. I would recommend to have it checked out by the vet who may be better able to tell how concerned you should be by palpating the mass and the surrounding lymphnodes. The good news is that the majority of masses are benign but it's always better to be safe. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

This could be a cyst, an infection, plaque or even a skin tumor like a melanoma. Masses that grow suddenly, change in color/size/are painful are more concerning than those that do not change. The only way to know for sure what this mass is would be for your veterinarian to do an exam and potentially biopsy it. I do not recommend applying any ointment or other medication yet as it could be harmful depending on what it is.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Beckham. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian. There is, unfortunately, an aggressive form of skin cancer known as a mast cell tumor. It appears as a red, raised and hairless mass. His veterinarian will collect a sample of cells to evaluate under the microscope. This will tell you the type of mass and how best to treat it. He will likely require surgery. I hope this information helps!

Poor guy. This does appear to be a very angry mass and I am a bit worried about the color. I would highly recommend getting this mass removed surgicallly by your vet and submitted for analysis. The color is suggestive that this can be a cancerous mass, so getting it removed is best for him moving forward. Even if it isn't cancerous, it is already showing signs that this mass will be hard to stabilize otherwise, so surgical removal may be the best option here I hope that your pet Benson gets some resolve to his angry skin mass soon! Best wishes and take care.