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Why are my senior dog's puss-filled sores not healing or closing?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 55 lbs

My dog is a senior (about 12) and she has been breaking out in sores. They are on her back, tail, eye, and throat. They produce puss and aren't closing up. We took her to the vet when she was very young because we started finding lumps on her back but they only said they were calcium buildups and it was a pretty natural thing for a dog to have!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Published on May 7th, 2017

These may be benign sebaceous gland cysts that drain fluid periodically like pimples. Sometimes they get infected and require antibiotics. I often have owners use epsom salt compresses at home on these areas, but it would be safest to have your vet examine Darby to make sure that these lumps aren't some kind of cancerous tumors first.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • This presentation could be due wide spread/multifocal spots of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and eventually antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem.
    Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid licking (if any).

    Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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