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What to do for a senior dog's open, infected, bleeding fatty lump?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Parson Russell Terrier | Female | spayed | 12 years old | 11 lbs

My dog is 12 she has had fatty lumps for sometime one has now become open and infected. She has taken antibiotics but this hasn't stopped the bleeding. We have been told she will need to be put to sleep? But she is still walking, eating and in other ways healthy?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 15th, 2016

an open and infected tumor should be removed. If it happens to be a lipoma (fatty lump) then this should be curative. If it happens to be another type of tumor, then your vet should do an x-ray of the lungs to check whether there are metastases. I think you should get a second opinion from another veterinarian or a veterinary oncologist.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Poor Tilly! If she is otherwise healthy, your vet could remove the fatty lump instead of just electing to put her to sleep. As long as she is otherwise healthy she should be able to handle the anesthesia. You could take her to a different vet for a second opinion.

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