My dog has a lump on her ankle she keeps licking and chewing. Why?

Question

My 8 year old female pit has a huge knot on her back ankle. She's chewing a hole in it. Can you tell me what could be causing this.

Destini R. Holloway, DVM · Accepted Answer

Older dogs often get what we call lick granuloma's, which are raised swellings on the skin that have a callus like texture. Pets often lick these areas constantly which can cause ulcers (openings) and infection. The best treatment for these is to treat medically (i.e. Doxepin-anti-lick) and then do wound management with the skin lesion (i.e. antiseptic cleansing + topical antibiotics +/- oral antibiotics). It is best you place an e-collar on her to prevent her from licking it further until you can get her in to the vet for the proper treatment.

My dog has a lump on her ankle she keeps licking and chewing. Why?

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