Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

My dog has a small, non-painful lump on his leg he licks. What is it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Poodle | Male | unneutered | 4 years and 7 months old | 58 lbs

My 5 year-old standard poodle has a lump (about 1 cm) on his leg. Doesn't seem to hurt but he licks it sometimes. I was asking if it was a Histiocytoma, It appears to be only skin deep as I can move the skin around it and the lump moves. No discharge. Doesn't seem to bother him much and I trim around it with scissors when grooming so as not to hit it with the clippers.

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 13th, 2018

Thank you for your question. Histiocytomas most often are red ulcerated lesions, which this does not appear to be. They also most often appear in animals 2 years of age and younger. You can read more about the growths at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1676. I would recommend having your vet take a look at the growth. They may recommend what is called a fine needle aspirate, which involves sticking a small needle into the growth to collect cells (can usually be done awake with minimal discomfort) to help identify the type of growth, which helps us determine if it should be removed or just monitored.

Vote icon

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Sponsored