My Shih Tzu has frequent scab-like bumps on his back. What are they?

It could just be a ruptured cyst or some type of mass. Your vet can do a needle aspirate to diagnose the exact cause and determine if there is anything to worry about. If needed, your vet could remove the bumps. If the lesions appear infected then he may need an antibiotic to treat. Since he seems itch, you could bathe him with a medicated dog shampoo like Epi-soothe and see if that helps.

It could be a cyst, mass, or pustule. Have your vet take a look at it to determine the best way to treat. She may need an antibiotic to treat an infection and/or it may need to be removed. Your vet can do an aspirate to help diagnose.

It's quite possible that the little bump on Booboo's back is a cyst. While most cysts are benign (especially ones in young dogs), their size can fluctuate as they fill with fluid, rupture, then refill. When cysts rupture, they can cause little crusts or scabs on the surface of the skin. These lesions can become infected if a dog licks or scratches at the area, but most of the time, they don't cause any problems. I don't see evidence of infection in the picture. For now, I think it's reasonable to keep an eye on the area for changes. If you want to clean it with an antiseptic to err on the side of caution, Hibiclens and betadine are both good over the counter options, but be sure to rinse well afterwards. Unless this lesion gets larger, has more discharge, or irritates Booboo, I don't think you need to take a trip to the vet for this lesion alone. That said, be sure to mention it to your vet the next time Booboo is due for an exam so that they can check it out. I hope that everything goes well!

This may be an abscess, a cyst or a tumor. You should have it examined by your veterinarian, as it is not possible to distinguish these by just looking at a photo. An abscess can usually be treated with antibiotics and/or be lanced, and a cyst can be evacuated. To identify a tumor, your vet may want to do a fine needle aspirate (he takes some material from the bump with a needle and then looks at it under the microscope) to determine whether the mass is concerning.

The skin does look a bit irritated. If the scabs aren't healing, more appear, the area is very itchy or bothersome to Teddy, or it changes more in appearance, a vet visit is best to rule out issues such as infections, growths, allergies, etc. Keeping it clean and dry and keeping Teddy from pawing/licking at it can also help reduce irritation as it heals.

Hello. These are probably benign, but since they are pigmented, I would recommend checking them out. A biopsy of one of them should confirm what the rest are & if a treatment plan is indicated, your veterinarian will know exactly what to do, even if it is just a watch & wait on the bumps. Please see your veterinarian at your earliest convenience. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It can be concerning when you find a lump/bump on your pet. This one in particular could be a bug bite based on its appearance, but a growth can't be completely ruled out. If it is somewhat squishy, then a cyst like growth is more likely. I would certainly get it examined by your vet who can palpate the area and make a better determination here. Otherwise, I wouldn't worry too much about this skin lesion for now. I do hope that your appt goes well with Beamer on tomorrow. Best wishes and take care.