My dog's leg mass smells foul, is it infected before surgery?

Question

My dog has a bump on her leg and the vet said I would have to take her back in for a mass removal. After the appointment it started to get a very foul smell to it. But the soonest appointment isn't until Tuesday, should the smell be concerning? Shes eating and walking fine. The mass is still very red and white in the middle. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 70 lbs

Dr. B. DVM, DACVIM (Oncology) · Accepted Answer

The foul smell may be infection or from the cells of the mass dying. I would recommend calling your vet so that they can decide if they would like to start antibiotics prior to her next visit. A mass is a collection of cells which can be benign (inflammation, benign tumor) or a malignant tumor. The only way to know what it is is for your vet to sample it. I know your vet discussed removal first but typically we start with a needle aspiration for cytology to the lab first. There are many reasons why this is important; to know what it is prior to surgery so that the surgery can be best planned (malignant tumors may need a bigger surgery and that limb location is more difficult), if it is malignant additional tests may be recommended prior to removal to make sure it has not spread; and to make sure it needs to be removed at all. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

My dog's leg mass smells foul, is it infected before surgery?

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