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My dog has a lump near his toenail for a week. Is it an infection?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 10 months old | 38 lbs

Jax has a lump near his toenails, it's been there for a good week now. What is it?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 2nd, 2018

It looks to me like Jax's toenail might be infected. Dogs can develop a bacterial or fungal infection at the base of the nail, or occasionally deomdex mites can be in this area as well. It's also possible that he sustained some trauma to his nail, although if it has been present for weeks that is a little less likely. I'd recommend having your vet take a look.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on January 15th, 2020
That looks like a growth. 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. Give Scout's vet a call in the morning to make her an appointment.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on August 5th, 2017
Possible causes for what you describe include cancer, bacterial infection, fungal infections, or trauma to the nail bed. I recommend that Bentley see a vet as soon as possible. He may need x-rays to look at the bone near the nail or cytology to look at the cells of the nodule. If it is infectious or trauma, appropriate medications can be prescribed. If the vet is worried about cancer, they may recommend amputation of the toe.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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