Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog has a red, uncomfortable lump on her back leg. What is it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Irish Terrier | Female | unspayed | 4 years and 2 months old | 18.739 lbs

Ive found a lump on my dogs back leg like a ball its red and she seems abit uncomfortable me touching it what cud this be?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 30th, 2017

Hello, this looks like a histiocytoma, a benign tumor. Fairly common in younger dogs, it usually spontaneously regresses without treatment. Have your veterinarian take a look to make sure that it is not anything else. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 13th, 2018
Thank you for your question. Histiocytomas most often are red ulcerated lesions, which this does not appear to be. They also most often appear in animals 2 years of age and younger. You can read more about the growths at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1676. I would recommend having your vet take a look at the growth. They may recommend what is called a fine needle aspirate, which involves sticking a small needle into the growth to collect cells (can usually be done awake with minimal discomfort) to help identify the type of growth, which helps us determine if it should be removed or just monitored.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lauren Jones VMD
Veterinarian
Published on May 23rd, 2017
One of the more common red, raised lumps in young dogs is a histiocytoma. These are benign masses that go away without intervention in 2-3 months. However, Hercules' skin lesion could also be related to a malignant mass, cyst, ringworm, skin infection, among others. Your best bet is to take him to the vet for an exam and evaluation of this lesion - better safe than sorry. I hope that all goes well!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

What exactly is this irritated lump on my dog's hind leg crease?

Hello. This is a small tumor, probably benign, but since it looks a bit irritated I would have your veterinarian take a look. It may just require a watch & wait to see if it continues to be irritated, or your veterinarian may suggest removal & histopathology to identify the tissue type & make sure there is not anything further to be concerned about. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My Boxer has a red bump on her inner front leg. What could it be?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! A lot if skin bumps can look the same. But for a young dog and the location of it being on a leg it is likely a benign growth called a histiocytoma. They usually spontaneously regress in a few months. The other possibility is a Mast cell tumor, which can be common in Boxers. If the bump grows larger or doesn't go away in 2-3 months I would have your Vet examine it and consider aspirating it to see what it could be. It is never wrong to get it looked at sooner either! I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What's this firm, red bump on my dog's back leg? Is it serious?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear Marvin has been going through so many issues. It does appear that he has developed a growth on his back leg, and I do recommend all abnormal growths be evaluated by a veterinarian to determine if they are benign (non-cancerous) or not. While it could be a cyst, insect bite, or wart, there are certain types of skin cancer (such as mast cell tumors) that can look similar to what you are seeing. I would recommend Marvin see his regular veterinarian and have a needle aspirate to help determine what the growth might be, and determine any further treatment that may be needed. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

What's this pink, itchy bump on my dog's leg? Should I worry?

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What is this round lump on my puppy's leg after a scab came off?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Since Odie is young, it is likely a benign growth called a histiocytoma. Histiocytomas are pink hairless, button like growths commonly found on the limbs of young dogs. They spontaneously regress on their own in 2-3 months. They tend to ulcerate before they regress. If the growth increases in size rapidly or Odie keeps traumatizing it or it doesn't resolve in a reasonable time frame consider surgical removal and biopsy. I hope this helps and I wish Odie the best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has a red, hard leg bump. What is it? Can I treat it at home?

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely a focal area of dermatitis. This is likely to resolve on its own as long as you prevent any further self-trauma (preventing her from licking at it for example). You can get an e-collar from your local pet store or simply just keep a very close eye on her to prevent further self-trauma. In most cases of mild infections, if this is done at home, they can resolve as long as you keep that area clean. If no improvement of worsening is noted in the next 3-4 days, then have her examined by your veterinarian. However, there is a good chance she can do well at home. She is adorable! Have a good night!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What's this tiny, painless bump on my dog's back leg near his hip?

This lump under Behr's skin is most likely something benign like a cyst or lipoma, however there is a small chance it could be something cancerous. At such a young age cancer is unlikely but not impossible. If the growth doesn't go away within a few days or it gets larger it would be a good idea to have Behr examined by a veterinarian. If necessary a small needle aspirate can be taken from the lump and looked at under the microscope to determine if it should be removed surgically. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope the small lump ends up being a benign growth!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share