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My dog has a non-healing scab with pus and a growth. What is it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cairn Terrier | Male | neutered | 14 years and 2 months old | 14 lbs

My dog Sam is 14 and he has a huge scab on his back that will not heal. My husband has picked at it once before and when the scab came off underneath was a pink growth that had pus and blood. It usually gets matted in Sam’s Hair but we shaved around the scab and now he is wearing a shirt to keep dirt out of it. Should I be concerned? He has had it for about a year now. I’m attaching a picture. Thank you, Jennifer

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 28th, 2018

This may be a bad hair follicle or seborrheic gland abscess or a tumor. I suggest you make an apointment with your vet who will examine your dog, remove the scab and clean the area and then be able to see what is causing this skin problem. If it is a seborrheic cyst or gland abscess or a tumor it may need to be removed surgically.

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13Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 1st, 2018

    This looks like and ulcerated tumor. You should have your veterinarian examine this as this will not heal by itself. Your vet can take a small tissue sample with a fine needle which helps to determine whether it is benign or malignant. THis lesion will likely need to be removed surgically in order for the skin to heal. Please make an appointment with your veterinarian for an exam.

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    10Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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