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My 6-month-old puppy has a red boil-like lump on his leg. What is it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Great Dane | Male | unneutered | 6 months and 14 days old | 110 lbs

My great dane, Luke, is 6 months old and he stays outside and I've noticed a red boil like bubble on his leg. What could this be?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 21st, 2017

This is a lump that appears to be only located in the skin. These tend to be benign growths, such as a wart or sebaceous adenoma (basically a big zit). Sometimes these can be a skin tumor such as a mast cell tumor, but in a dog that young, it's not that likely. The best way to find out is to have your veterinarian take a sample and analyze it either in-house or at the laboratory. It does not appear infected, so you don't need to rush in to get this done. In-fact, many of these lumps will go away on their own. If it appears like it's growing or is irritating, then it's best to take Luke in to the vet to get it dealt with. If you notice it starts to shrink in a couple of weeks, then it will likely continue to shrink and go away.

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I know you are worried but the most common mass this could be is a histiocytoma. Which is a benign growth on young dogs, commonly on legs. They usually regress on their own in 1-2 months. If it doesn't or Luke starts bothering it your Vet can discuss removal. I hope this eases your mind!

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