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My dog's swollen knee has a hole and isn't healing. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mastiff | Male | unneutered

I have a beautiful boy and his been having terrible trouble with his knees mostly his back knee it use to be really red an sore for him I've been treating him for about two weeks with cool water and betadine to clean it and then I rub elbow butter for large dogs on him an its taken away the redness an the pain he got a tiny little hole on his knee were its a little swollen it had gone down an got better since treatment but it's not looking like it's ever going to go back to normal

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Megan, DVM, CVA

Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on April 4th, 2018

Poor Kane! From looking at the picture, it looks like this may be a callus that had broken skin on it or even got infected. I would try to let it dry up and just continue to treat it with the elbow balm. I would try to make him lay on soft bedding. I would also make sure he isn't licking it. You can put a cone collar on him if needed to prevent this. If the wound doesn't heal, there is discharge, or anything worsens, I would strongly recommend to have your vet take a look. He may need some oral antibiotics to help heal it completely. I hope this helps!
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