My Shih Tzu has sensitive, scabby skin growths. How do I treat them?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

  Veterinarian

  It's hard to tell exactly what these are from the pictures but I think they are either scabs/crusts from a skin infection or they could be small skin masses that have broken open and become infected.
  
  The best was to tell the difference is to gently clean the area, either in the tub with shampoo or with a cotton ball and hydrogen peroxide. This was you will be able to tell if there is a small mass under the crust.
  
  You can try applying some antibiotic ointment to the area and see if that helps it clear up. If that treatment is not successful or you notice new spots popping up, I would recommend you take Zumi into you vet to be checked out.
  
  I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

  

  3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  From the picture unfortunately is a bit difficult to understand exactly the nature of them.
  This kind of lump/growth needs to be ideally assessed by your veterinarian to have a definitive and specific answer. Usually there are two ways your vet can do that a part from examining it directly during physical examination. A biopsy can be taken under local or general anesthetic, otherwise a smaller sample through a fine needle can be aspirated (this technique is called FNA= fine needle aspiration). Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths.
  Differentials include skin cysts, infections, benign or more sinister type of tumors.
  
  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.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful