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My dog has a red, inflamed lump on his ear. Could it be infected?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

What is this. On the side of his eat

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on May 9th, 2017

It looks as though your dog has a fairly inflamed mass or cystic lesion on his ear. The only way to definitively determine the cause of the mass is through a fine needle aspirate where a vet draws a few cells out of the lesion with a needle (it's quick and relatively painless!) before examining the cells microscopically. From there, you will have a better sense as to whether the lesion is benign or malignant and whether or not surgical removal is needed. The other concern is that this lesion appears quite red with discharge and may be infected if your dog has been scratching at it. The vet will also be able to determine if antibiotics are needed at the time of the exam. I hope that all goes well!

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Other Answers

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

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 28th, 2020

    This lump/bump/growth should be ideally examined by your local vet to have a diagnosis established. Your vet may want to perform an FNA (fine needle aspiration) or a biopsy to sample the bump and determine its underlying nature. Differentials would include skin cysts, infections, benign or more malignant type of tumors. It is very likely that the mass will need surgical removal as it seems obstructing the ear canal. Hope this answer was helpful, but 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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

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