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What is this white stringy stuff coming from a bump on my dog's leg?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 8 years and 1 month old | 90 lbs

My dog has a protuberance coming out of his hind leg. It started as a small bump, grew to be the size of two large pin heads, then a long white slender material emerged. It is stiff and hard, but when wet it is maliluable and soft. There is also a bump the size of a small pearl right above it. I'll be happy to send pictures.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 19th, 2017

Poor Brownie! Unfortunately there is no way to share photos in the forum, but you can request a consult with an expert online where you can share photos and get more in-depth help.

As for the bump, in a senior dog like Brownie, there's always a chance it could be due to malignant tumor. It could also be a cyst, an abscess, or a benign tumor. Any suspicious bumps 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 bump to get a sample of it's cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. I would have Brownie seen by a vet tomorrow to have this bump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated as needed.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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