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My dog has a red lump with a hole on his paw. Should I worry?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | 10 years and 6 months old | 28 lbs

On the top of my dogs left front foot a red hairless pump with a hole in the middle appeared over night... I am so worried about him he is nearly 11 years old, we don't know what kind of dog he is, he's a mix, we have had him since he was a puppy and nothing like this has ever happened before lease help

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 22nd, 2017

This looks like either a mass or an infection. I would recommend taking Tiny in to his regular vet clinic as soon as possible (but no need to go to the emergency clinic). They will likely sample the growth (no sedation required) and look at it under a microscope to decide what to do next. Surgical removal may be needed. If they aren't sure if it's an infected mass or just an infection, they might treat with oral antibiotics for a few days before deciding about surgery. Good luck!

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 26th, 2018

    This could be an infection (bacterial or fungal) but it could also be a tumor. You should have it examined by your veterinarian, as it is not possible to distinguish these by just looking at a photo. To identify a tumor, your vet may want to do a fine needle aspirate (he takes some material from the bump with a needle and then looks at it under the microscope) to determine whether the mass is concerning.

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