What is this raw, chewed lump on my dog's leg and why chew it?

Question

My dog has this lump on her front leg above the joint that looked raw like from when I first noticed it. She is now constantly biting/chewing at it and now it has a hole in it. I wrapped it with bag balm ointment. It looks like it can or may get infected. What is it and if it was a skin tumor why is she chewing at it? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 9 years and 11 months old | 65 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Dogs will chew at lumps if they are painful or annoying to the dog. On Pepper, this lump could be a cyst, a benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump to get a sample of it's cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. I would have Pepper seen by a vet tomorrow to have the lump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated.

What is this raw, chewed lump on my dog's leg and why chew it?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

Why is my new pet biting? Is she stressed or scared in her new home?

My degu has a white bump in its fur. Should I take my pet to the vet?

My guinea pig has a growing lump on its neck. Can it heal itself?

My rat is losing weight and has breathing issues. What should I do?

My robo hamster is limp, bleeding, and collapsed. Is it wet tail?

Share