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My senior dog has a red, peeling nose and new bumps. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 11 years and 8 months old | 55 lbs

My dog is blind, diabetic, and around 11 years old. Two days ago we noticed right above his nose, around his muzzle there was a red spot and his skin around his nose was peeling back. He also had some cut around his lips. We know he plays in the bushes, chasing animals and it could just be cuts from running into things. But the nose scrape has gotten much worse and I am concerned it is something worse. Lastly, we have felt bumps on his body that he has never had before, only a couple days ago.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 10th, 2017

You need to take Calvin to a vet for an exam. There is a chance Calvin was bitten by a rodent and was infected with a disease transmissible by rodents. The bumps on his body could be swollen lymph nodes which also would point to either an infection or, at worst, lymphoma. Such diseases include plague, leptospirosis, tularemia and other bacterial infections some of which are transmissible to people also. Please take Calvin for an exam ASAP.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    You are correct that theses areas on Calvin could be due to running in the bushes, but if the scrape has gotten worse, it could be infected or it could be something more serious such as skin cancer. The bumps could also be due to hives, lipomas (benign fatty tumors), benign tumors, cysts, abscesses, or malignant tumors. I would have him seen by a vet first thing in the morning for all of these problems. The vet can diagnose what is causing his myriad of symptoms, and can discuss treatment options with you.

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