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What is this sensitive white bump on my dog's back? Does he need a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Male | 10 years and 5 months old | 6 lbs

My dog, Charlie, has an unusual bumb on his back. Almost like a large white mole. It appears he is sensitive around the area but not to the point where it generally hurts him. What is the bumb and how can I help him? Should I put some ointment on him? Does he need to see the vet?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on January 6th, 2019

This lump needs to be checked and analysed as there are many conditions and types of tumors that could look like that. take Charlie to the vet, they will perform a fine needle aspiration on the growth and send it to the lab for analysis. when the result comes, the vet will advise what needs to be done according to the diagnosis.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 27th, 2017

    this bump needs to be checked and analysed as there are many conditions and types of tumors that could look like that. take Rosie to the vet, they will perform a fine needle aspiration on the growth and send it to the lab for analysis. when the result comes, the vet will advise what needs to be done according to the diagnosis.

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 6th, 2019

    This lump/growth should be ideally examined by your veterinarian to have a definitive diagnosis. Your vet will examine it and possibly perform with an FNA (fine needle aspiration) or a biopsy.
    Differentials would include skin cyst, infection or benign or malignant type of tumors.
    Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 4th, 2017

    Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. What you are describing and based on the picture you have provided, this looks to be an infected mass or pustule from a skin infection. I would not worry about getting Tilly to an emergency vet clinic. I would recommend using a solution of betadine and saline mixed together to give a light brown color and use this to cleanse the area to disinfect it and clean it. If there are multiple pustules or bumps such as the one you have already described or this bump increases in size or continues to ooze pus, I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Tilly for further diagnostics and treatment recommendations. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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