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My dog has a red bump on her leg with a scab. Should I worry?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | 50 lbs

So I noticed this small red bump on my dogs leg. I'm concerned for my dog Sky. Would you have any suggestions just by my picture please? It has a little blood scab.

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4 Answers

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Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 28th, 2019

Hello, thank you for your question about Sky. Based on the photo you've attached it is possible that this lesion is secondary to a blood blister or cyst-like lesion. It could also be a mild skin infection. Dogs can develop skin masses/tumors such as mast cell tumors. I would recommend having Sky seen by your veterinarian so that they can examine the area and discuss the need for additional testing such as an impression of the area or collecting a small needle sample. Hope this helps!

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on August 22nd, 2018

    It is difficult to determine what it could be by just an image. Possibilities include local inflammation a benign mass or a malignancy. Ideally, Nikki should be examined by your veterinarian. A fine needle aspirate can be done in the clinic to collect samples for pathology. This may provide a diagnosis. If the lump doesn't bother her, simply monitor it. Watch for rapid change or growth, discharge, discomfort or if it restricts motion. If she develops any of these symptoms, have her seen or rechecked by your veterinarian.

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 19th, 2017

    I would recommend to have Summer seen by her doctor. The red area could be something like an infected hair follicle but it could also be a skin tumor. There are a few different types of tumors and one of them is malignant. Your doctor will look at the mass and may make a recommendation to have it aspirated to see what exactly it is. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 25th, 2018

    That does not look like a bite to me; rather, it looks more like a growth than a bite. Without seeing her in person, however, I can't say for certain. This bump could be a cyst, a benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. Any suspicious bumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the bump to get a sample of it's cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. Once the cause of the bump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options. I'd call the vet in the morning to make an appointment for her. Tonight, I would rest her to help with the limping. No running, jumping, or playing. Take her out to toilet on a lead only, and bring her right back in when she's done. While at the vet for the bump, they can examine her for the limping. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. She may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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