My senior dog's leg lump burst open. Is it painful? What should I do?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From the pictures, it appears as though this is a cyst. I would clean this using a combined solution of water and betadine (mix until light brown) and keep the area clean. The cyst will likely close back up now that it has ruptured. If it continues to drain material or becomes infected, then I would have a veterinarian take a look at this and plan to have it removed. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

It could be that Jasmen had a cyst which has now ruptured. If there is pus, however, it means there is an infection and she needs to see the vet. The vet can confirm if it is a cyst, if there is an infection, and can prescribe antibiotics. Give the vet a call in the morning to make an appointment, and gently clean the area with warm water and antiseptic soap. Keep her from licking at it, put an Ecollar on her if needed. I will put a link below on how to make one at home. Best of luck. http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html

It could be that Lady has a cyst causing this lump. In a senior dog, it could also be a malignant tumor or a benign tumor. Without seeing her in person, I can't say for certain. If your vet sent her to a surgeon, then I would suspect that your vet believes it needs to be removed. I'm sorry you felt this surgeon was only worried about money, so I'd suggest speaking to your vet about a referral to another surgeon to get this lump diagnosed and possibly removed. It sounds like it's quite large if it's grapefruit size, and if it continues to grow, it could affect her ability to walk. In addition, if it is malignant, it needs to be removed as soon as possible. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. Given the fact that it is growing quickly, a malignant tumor is more likely. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

Poor girl. Because this mass is open and seems to be bothering her I would highly consider having this mass removed surgically. Sometimes if the mass is small (less than 2 cm's) we can do a sedative on the pet and quickly remove these. However if it is a larger mass then general anesthesia may be required. She also needs to be placed on oral antibiotics to keep this area from getting infected and daily cleaning of the mass as well. Sterile saline flushes can help keep this area relatively clean and then an e-collar placed on her can help prevent licking. If surgery isn't an option for you, then medical management with antibiotics, e-collar and regular cleanings may allow proper healing of the area, but in most cases surgical removal is the best option. Best of luck!

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. Based on the pictures you have provided, this could be a cancerous tumor that has become infected. This should be examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. It is likely he needs to have surgery to help try and resolve this. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

This can be one of two things: 1) a small abscess that has ruptured. 2) a small tumor that did not have enough room to grow and therefore started to ulcerate and finally ruptured. Since it is on a leg and deep, you should have your veterinarian have a look at it, to see whether any vital structures are involved and whether it is a tumor that needs to be removed.