My dog has a soft, black, non-painful paw swelling. When to see vet?

Question

My dog is a 9-year-old pitbull mix. A few days ago, I noticed he developed a swelling lateral to his 4th toe on his right front foot. His paw has white fur, but the swelling is black. The swelling is soft and feels like there is gel inside. It does not seem to hurt my dog. What is it? What is done for it? Should I see his vet right away about it? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 9 years and 3 months old | 80 lbs

Stephanie Echols, DVM · Accepted Answer

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! A veterinarian will need to see this swelling but I wouldn’t consider it emergent- just when you can get him in. Without seeing the swelling it’s hard to say what it is. A vet will likely put a needle in the swelling to get cells to look at under the microscope. This is called a fine needle aspirate. Knowing what the mass is will help decide the next course of treatment. It could be an abscess (a pocket of puss) and just need drainage and antibiotics, a cyst that could just need to be monitored or something more serious, like cancer, that needs to be surgically removed. The vet that looks at it will be able to discuss your options once the diagnosis is made. Good luck and kisses to Jake!

My dog has a soft, black, non-painful paw swelling. When to see vet?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?

My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?

My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?

My degu has a white bump in its fur. Should I take my pet to the vet?

Share