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What is this large, dragging growth on my senior dog's ankle?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | unspayed | 10 years and 10 months old | 65 lbs

I HAVE AN 11yr OLD AMERICA PITBULL TERRIER..THAT HAS NEVER BEEN FIXED OR BRED.SHE STARTED TO HAVE A GROWTH ON THE BACK OF HER RIGHT HYNE LEG ANKLE I GUESS YOU WOULD SAY..WHAT STARTED OUT SO SMALL HAS BECOME SO BIG THAT IT LOOKS LIKE A BALL AND CHAIN THAT LEGIT HANGS AND DRAGS OF THE BACK OF HER ANKLE..WHAT COULD IT POSSIBLY BE..IT LOOKS LIKE A SOME TYPE OF TUMOR..IT DOESNT SEEM TO BOTHER HER..SHE LETS ME LOOK AND TOUCH IT.. WHAT COULD BE POSSIBLY BE..! DO YOU THINK.?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 29th, 2019

At Destiny's age, I would be concerned this could be a malignant tumor and it's concerning how big it is. 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. I would take her into a vet today. Best of luck.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 27th, 2017

    This is some sort of skin mass. This could be a benign cyst or possibly a cancerous tumor. The appearance of this particular mass is a bit concerning to me, so I would recommend getting it examined by a vet. They can do some tests to see if it is dangerous or not. The quicker it gets diagnosed, the better the outcome is for treatment, so I would get her to the vet at your next convenience.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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