My dog has a skin bump that's growing. Should I be concerned?

Thank you for your question, and including a picture-this is very helpful. This little lump is likely something benign like a skin tag or similar, but I always recommend that if an owner notices changes in color, size or shape of a lump, especially if it is growing quickly, that it be evaluated by your veterinarian. If you are very concerned it would not be wrong to request that the lump be removed, then it can be submitted for review by a pathologist to let you know exactly what it is. You could always arrange to have Mieya's teeth cleaned at the same time, small breed dogs are prone to dental disease and this is a good age to start preventative dental care!

Thank you for the image. This is likely a benign skin mass known as a sebaceous adenoma. They are common in older dogs and arise from sebaceous glands in the skin. You would need to have your dog physically examined by your veterinarian for confirmation. Removal is recommended if the lump grows larger or becomes ulcerated, but others may grow in the same spot or different areas. Keep it clean and dry and be careful not to irritate it during grooming/brushing or bathing.

As long as he is behaving normally otherwise, you can monitor the lumps at home. Older dogs are more prone to these growths. Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine which ones you should worry about without a physical exam and diagnostics. Monitor them for rapid change or growth, discharge, pain associated with a mass or a mass that restricts motion. If necessary, your veterinarian can perform a fine needle aspirate in the clinic to collect samples for pathology. This could identify which lumps are of concern. Discuss treatment options after results are returned.

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 lump/bump/growth should be ideally examined by your local vet to have a diagnosis established. Your vet may want to perform an FNA (fine needle aspiration) or a biopsy to sample the bump and determine its underlying nature. Differentials would include skin cysts, infections, benign or more malignant type of tumors. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking. 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!

This looks like a mass. It looks quite benign such as a wart or skin tag, however it is impossible to know for sure without testing the lump. You could have the lump tested/removed or simply monitor it for changes. I wouldn't be overly concerned about it.

Hello, and thank you for your question. I agree with your family vet that the lump looks like a skin tag. I would only consider further workup if the lump grows significantly in a short period of time, if it changes shape or texture, or if Timmy starts bothering at it (scratching, licking). At that point, a fine needle aspirate can be done to confirm the nature of the lump, and decide whether surgery is necessary to remove it. I hope this helps, and that Timmy is happy and healthy!