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My dog has a sore from a popped lump that won't heal. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Schnauzer | Male | unneutered | 7 years and 6 months old | 25 lbs

Hi! My dog seems to have a sore that won’t heal. Before it was a sore it used to be a lump that he used to have on his side, and then it eventually popped. It has been a few months and it still won’t heal, and instead just crusts over. He has a few small bumps next to the sore as well. I also noticed he has about one other lump other his skin on his back. Is this something I should be worried about? He is a 7 year old Mini Schnauzer, about 25 pounds.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 1st, 2019

This may be an abscesses, cysts or tumors. You should have them examined by your veterinarian. An abscess can usually be treated with antibiotics and/or be lanced, and a cyst can be evacuated. 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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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on August 6th, 2019

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This may be a growth or it may be just an infection with severe inflammation. Regardless, it is infected and needs to be evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to get him on antibiotics and would be able to clean it well to avoid further issues. Best of luck!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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