Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog's leg lump is changing color and size. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 12 years and 4 months old | 15 lbs

We recently discovered a lump on our dogs leg. It started to shrink yesterday but today grew larger and changed from pink to purple.

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 Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 27th, 2020

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Lady. This lump could be a cyst, a benign growth, or a malignant growth. Any suspicious lumps 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 lump to get a sample of its 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 lump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options if needed. Give her vet a call to make her an appointment. I hope this helps!

Vote icon

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog has a red lump on his leg, near his foot.
Thank you for contacting Boop by Petco with your question about Buddy. This lump could be a growth, either benign or malignant. Any suspicious lumps 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 lump to get a sample of its 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 lump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options if needed. Give his vet a call to make him an appointment. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hello, I noticed my cattle dog had this sore on her hind leg today. It doesn't seem to bother her shes not limping or showing any signs of discomfort. I can touch it and it doesn't seem to bother her
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 her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hi I found a black lump on my dogs rear right leg about 3-4 months ago and I took her to the vet and they said it could be cancerous or it could be something as simple as a wart so they said to keep an eye on it and make sure it doesn’t change at all
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing for sure without an examination though this represents a reason to seek veterinary care. This is usually determined with an examination and a fine needle aspirate (FNA) or a biopsy. Treatment depends on the findings up to that point. I recommend you have Maddy evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog has a lump on her side grey round the edge pink in the middle one is now appearing on her back leg
The picture you posted was a little blurry, so it was difficult to evaluate, but in general we usually can't tell anything about a mass by just looking at it. Your vet can perform a simple test called a fine needle aspirate where they use a small needle to collect some cells from the mass, then look at them under the microscope. They may even need to send the cells to the lab for a pathologist to examine them, so we know what the mass is. If it is benign, you might not need to do anything about the mass at all, but if they see cells that worry them, they might recommend removing the mass. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Boop by Petco.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
I just found a nodule on my dogs side by her front leg appears to have came out within the past 2 days has a deep red center when i try to touch it and put pressure on it she squirms. Possible ideals?
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This could even be an abscess. 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 her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hi i have a english bullmasiff and ive just noticed this on her back leg, above the pad, i need to know if its urgent for vet help or not etc
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This may even be an abscess. While this should be evaluated, this is not considered an emergency. 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 her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Millie has a growth/lump on her outside back leg. She had nothing an hour ago: went for our usual walk followed by walk back on the beach & in the water together and then for a quick swim in the pool (she LOVES swimming in the pool, playing with the
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! This could be a benign or malignant growth. It could also be swelling or an abscess. 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 her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog has a lump on her leg roughly the size of a marble. She is a 9 year old cocker spaniel and is very healthy otherwise.
Thank you for providing a picture of Mia's lump! It could be a benign tumor, a cyst, or a malignant tumor. Unfortunately in a senior dog, there is always a chance it could be malignant. Any suspicious lumps 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 lump 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. I would take her into the vet in the next couple of days to have this lump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated as needed. Good luck, I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hi my dog has had this lump on her front right leg for about a month now and out of no were it got very big it is not solid it feels like fluids are inside but also doesn’t seem to bother her but I no it does I need answers so bad
Oh that's quite large! This could be a cyst, benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. Any suspicious lumps 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 lump to get a sample of its 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 lump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options if needed. Give Mj's vet a call to make her an appointment. Best of luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
14 year old female American Eskimo has rapidly growing mass near hind leg. It appears to be oozing a bit and smells awful. She’s sleeping more but eating/drinking well. What might it be? I don’t believe she can handle surgery.
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! This could be a benign or malignant growth. Given the fact that it is growing quickly, a malignant tumor is more likely. 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 her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!
Updated on September 24th, 2025

Related Searches

Dog Supplies Dog Food Dog Health & Wellness Dog Medicine and Prescriptions Dog Blood Pressure Medication Dog Thyroid Medication & Hormone Care Pet Pharmacy Antifungal Medication for Dogs Dog Clothes & Accessories Dog Pain Relief & Arthritis Meds DOG by Dr Lisa Lantus Dog Medicine and Prescriptions Lactated Ringers Dog Medicine and Prescriptions Lantus Solostar Dog Medicine and Prescriptions Lactated Ringers Electrolytes for Dogs Lactulose Dog Medicine and Prescriptions Lantus Prescription Dog Insulin & Diabetes Medication Dermalone Dog Medicine and Prescriptions DOG by Dr Lisa Dog Health & Wellness Epogen Dog Blood Pressure Medication
image
Have A Vet Question?

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

Book Now

Sponsored