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What is this painful red bump on my dog's tail tip? Is it serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | spayed | 12 lbs

Hi I just found a medium-sized red bump at the tip of my dog's tail. I can tell it is bothering her because she is walking with her tail down and has been pretty sedentary all day. The bump is semi-hard and it hurts her if I touch it. I took a picture of it, but not sure how to show you the picture.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 16th, 2016

The bump could be caused by an infection, allergic reaction, cyst, benign or cancerous mass. The only way to know for sure is to have your vet do a fine needle aspirate. It is a very easy proceedure that takes just a few minutes. Once it is diagnose, your vet can decide the best treatment. Please call your vet and schedule an appointment, especially since it seems to be bothering her.

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

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 1st, 2020

    Hi, and thanks for your question. 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. 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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