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What's this rough lump on my 10-year-old dog? Is it a skin tag?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

(now added photos) I’m unsure what this lump is on my dog, he is 10 years old. He has had it for a while it may have grown a little but maybe not I can’t he sure. It’s about half an inch big. The skin on it is rough. He seems fine otherwise. Think it may just be a skin tag?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 17th, 2020

Yes, this may just be a benign growth like a skin tag, but I cannot make a definitive diagnosis without seeing him in person. 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 hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 17th, 2020
It is a good size and if it has grown, it certainly is a tumor, but the kind of tumor (cancerous or non-cancerous) isn't identifiable via a picture unfortunately. I would say this warrants having this mass tested by your vet to help us know if this is a tumor to be worried about or just monitored for.
I do hope that this is a favorable tumor/mass and nothing to be worried about moving forward. Best of luck and take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 24th, 2018
This looks like it could be a benign mass or skin tag, but unfortunately sometimes more serious masses and tumors (such as a mast cell tumor) can look similar. I would recommend seeing your veterinarian. They may want to take an aspirate using a small needle to examine cells under the microscope.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog's skin tag is getting bigger and has hair. What should I do?

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'd give Bella's vet a call to make her an appointment. Best of luck.

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