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My dog has a bloody matted spot with a hole. Should I see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 13 lbs

Matted hair with weird material and blood as the “glue”. When pulled it revealed a hole rising like if he got caught in a small vacuum tube.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Anna M., DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 3rd, 2017

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This looks likely to be a cyst, which is a benign skin growth that can rupture and exude a thick proteinaceous discharge. I recommend having Roscoe seen by a Vet, as cysts can become infected when they rupture, and Roscoe may need a course of antibiotics. Your vet can then let you know if they have any concerns about the lesion when they’re able to examine it. In the meantime, keep it clean using soapy water (Dawn dish soap works well) and soak/wipe it clean a few times daily. Hope this helps!

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on January 18th, 2020

    It looks like a scrape or abrasion. If it isn't actively bleeding or painful, you can have it checked by your veterinarian in the morning or on Monday. Use a pet wipe or plain, unscented baby wipe to gently clean the area. Use an e-collar (cone) to prevent licking if necessary.

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