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My Yorkie has a small growth on her nose. Is it a boil or tumor?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | spayed | 11 lbs

I have a yorkie who is 3 yrs old and she has what looks like a boil on her nose. I can’t tell if she was bit by something or if it’s something else. We noticed it about two weeks ago and it has not changed in size. It’s about a quarter of the size of the end of a pencil eraser. Thank you! Tayla

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenny, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 24th, 2018

It looks like a tumor growth. Your vet should check this due to its location. The smaller it is, the easier it is to remove completely. It may be a benign tumor know as a histiocytoma. These are common in young dogs. Sometimes they go away by them selves after a few months, other times they irritate them and itch and it is better to remove it. Mast cell tumors also look like this and these can be aggressive. You vet can take an aspirate and see which type you are dealing with

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    Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 8th, 2018

    This is most likely a benign (non-cancerous) skin tumor called histiocytoma. These generally occurred on head and feet of young dogs. They usually show up rapidly and then go away on their own in about three months time. Since you have an appointment with your vet in two weeks I think it is fine to monitor the bump for now. If it gets larger very rapidly, or becomes irritating or infected, then you may want to have it checked out sooner. Your veterinarian can perform a fine needle aspirate and cytology to determine what type of mass it is. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

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