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My dog has a raised, scabby ear bump but acts normal. Is it serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 35 lbs

Raised bump with scab on ear. She is eating and acting normal.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. B. DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)

Veterinarian

Published on March 2nd, 2019

This looks like a mass, which is a collection of cells. A mass can be benign (inflammation, cyst, etc) or malignant (skin tumor). The only way to know what this mass is would be by having your vet sample it. Typically we start with a needle aspiration for cytology. If concerning cells are noted removal with biopsy may be recommended. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 6th, 2021

    The mass on Schnitzel's ear looks most like a papilloma. These benign masses can pop up anywhere on a dog's body. However, it's impossible to be certain about its cause without removing it and sending it to a pathologist for a biopsy, or removing a few cells with a needle for a fine needle aspirate and microscopic evaluation of the cells. While this is not an emergency, it would be best to have a veterinarian examine this mass in person and perform some diagnostic testing. Some masses such as mast cell tumors, can look like nearly anything, so it's important to rule out these malignant causes. I hope that everything goes well!

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Related Questions

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My dog has a bump on his ear and I need help determining if it’s something that will go away or needs an attention of our vet.
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Thanks for using Boop by Petco! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!
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Thanks for using Boop by Petco! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!
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Hey, Smokey’s had this red bump on his ear a while and I just noticed it’s got a little black tint to it at the bottom. I also noticed he isn’t acting as happy as he normally is. Do you have any idea on what this could be?
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My dog has a lump on its ear I don’t know what it is
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I would recommend having Lily evaluated by the vet if this mass is getting bigger. any abnormal growth that is changing in size and shape should be assessed to make sure that it is not malignant. A needle aspirate may give your vet enough clues to determine what this is, or they may recommend surgical biopsy or removal. Thank you for using Boop by Petco.
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