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Dog has a growing skin bump. Is it serious if I can't afford a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | 8 years and 1 month old | 20 lbs

Hey my name is dylan and my dog Milo recently began developing this growth on his skin. At first we thought it was just a pimple and it would go away but it has only gotten progressively worse. Honestly I can’t really afford to get him the treatment needed as of right now but I just want to know if his growth may be life threateneing so I would really appreciate the help...thank you!

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 7th, 2018

Hi there. Unfortunately there are many different kinds of skin tumors/growths that dogs and get and it can be hard to tell what they are just by looking at them. I think it looks like a benign papilloma wart but you must understand that there is no way I can tell you that for sure. It could certainly be a life-threatening cancer. There is just no way to tell from a photo. I don't think it is an emergency but when you can get the funds together I suggest you have that checked out by your local vet especially if it continues to change (size, shape, etc). The growth does look irritated like he either scratched it or is biting at it. If that is the case you need to get him an E-collar (cone) to wear so he stops messing with it. If he continues to traumatize it then it may get infected. If he is not messing with it then I suggest you just leave it alone (no treatment) for now and just watch it. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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