My dog has a warm, tender leg lump. Is it cancer or infection?

If I read this correctly your dog's leg was swelling to this size within a few hours. If your vet took x-rays and found bone lesions then there is indeed a possibility of bone cancer. However only a biopsy of the bone or the tissue of the swelling will prove that there is cancer. Without the possibility of examining the leg myself I can only give you possibilitites of why there is a swelling: 1) Check for puncture wounds or an injury. this could be a peracute infection of the joint. 2) this may be an injury of the joint such as a fracture or tendon injury, You should take your dog back to a veterinarian for an exam, especially since this is painful.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The fact that these biopsies have come back inconclusive does not mean that this is not cancer. Unfortunately, this is very likely an aggressive form of cancer. After seeing these images, my main concern is that this is possibly a tumor arising from one of the ribs or sternebrae such as osteosarcoma for instance. In one of the images I see that there is likely pulmonary nodules which are most likely due to metastasis or spread of this cancer. It is hard for me to advice further without being able to look at more images or know more about the case. I would encourage you to check in again with them as another biopsy could be performed. Also, if there is truly already signs of metastasis, the treatment options and prognosis are also limited. I would mention to them the possibility of being referred to a veterinary oncologist who can look at the case with more details and advice further. I really hope they can help you and your boy!

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This looks like furunculosis which is a deep bacterial infection of the skin. It will not resolve without a long course of oral antibiotics. Now, that being said, this could be a primary issue or a secondary issue - I cannot tell you without examining her myself and doing some testing. You really need to take her to your vet for an exam as soon as you can. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I can see the bump you are referring to in the wrist area. This can be a mass, bone cyst, fracture, or infection of the joint and is likely painful. I recommend having your dog seen by a vet as soon as possible. Your vet can take x-rays to determine exactly what is going on. i hope this helps and that all is well!

The ends of the incision look infected and very painful. She should be rechecked right away for medication for pain and swelling and further antibiotics. She may need some parts opened and drained and flushed to help minimize the infection. If the tumor was cancerous and it was not completely removed, then there is a change the cells are angry and irritated and growing again from inflammation. Try to apply a warm compress and keep the area clean until you can get her in.

I'm sorry to hear this is happening. Unfortunately, bone cancer tends to be aggressive. I would recommend first having radiographs done to verify that a tumor is present. If there is in fact bone cancer, talk to her vet to see if surgery makes sense. Many times these tumors have already spread by the time clinical signs show up. The lump could have other origins as well so the first step is to find out what it is. I hope this helps!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Bentley and for providing a picture, it's very helpful. This may be a histiocystoma, which is benign tumor that typically goes away on its own. Unfortunately I cannot say for sure without seeing him in person. Because there is a change any lump in a dog his age could be cancerous, I would get it checked out by a vet to be safe. Give his vet a call in the morning to make him an appointment. I hope this helps!