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What's this pink, itchy bump on my dog's leg? Should I worry?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Female | unspayed | 7 months and 8 days old | 45 lbs

I noticed a small pink bump in her hind leg. Few days back, the spot had a bruise and a dry crust. She had been itching and biting the area since. It looks like this now. What could it be? Should I be worried?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on September 15th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It could be a wound from trauma, tick/insect bite, or a histiocytoma. Histiocytoma’s are benign growths on young dogs that are pink raised button like masses that can ulcerate. They tend to form more often on the limbs. They also tend to go away on their own in a few months. You can clean it and apply an antibiotic cream and prevent licking up see if it resolves. It it persists or grows I’d have your vet look at it. I wish Luna the best!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 4th, 2017

    Hi thanks for your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to say exactly what the bump or mass could be without examining Toby and taking a sample from the mass first. This should be done at your local veterinarian's office to determine if it is something of concern or not or if it needs to be removed. I would have this done sooner rather than later since the bump seems to be bothering Toby. Thanks again for posting and best of luck to you and Toby!

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    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 30th, 2017

    This looks like it could be a histiocytoma, a benign tumor that can appear suddenly in young dogs and usually regresses without specific treatment. A cyst or other type of tumor is also possible. I would recommend seeing your veterinarian to confirm a diagnosis. They may want to take a sample using a small needle. I would recommend preventing him from licking the area until you can see your vet - he may need to wear an e-collar. Love that last picture - Charlie is a handsome guy!

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 13th, 2017

    It's great to hear that Keke Nguyen had a clean bill of health at his last check up! Bumps on the skin can be benign or malignant masses, papillomas (essentially warts), abscesses, among other conditions. For many of these lumps and bumps, it is perfectly fine to monitor them at home for any changes in appearance or growth. However, since Keke Nguyen has been licking at this bump, this most likely indicates a sign of discomfort or irritation. If he continues to lick it, he could cause the lesion to become infected or more irritated. While this is certainly not an emergency, I do recommend taking him back to the vet sometime within the next week for further evaluation. If the licking becomes obsessive or is quite frequent, consider putting an e-collar (cone) on him to prevent further irritation. I hope this helps and that all goes well!

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