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My dog has a red lump on his toe. Is it an insect bite or tumor?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 3 months old | 11 lbs

Hi My dog has had this red lump on his toe for a week. I thought it was an insect bite because he lept out of a patch of grass a few days before I noticed it. Last night I put it in salt water and added some hydrocortisone creme and it seemed a bit better, but I read online about digit tumors so was worried it might be that. Tomorrow (Monday) the vet is open so I can take him for a look, but I was wondering what you think. The second photo is from this morning where it is a bit less red Thanks.

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1 Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on September 26th, 2020

I see what you mean about the lump, it is quite big and red. Bruce is a young dog, so the chances of it being malignant are not high at all. I would be wondering if it is from an insect bite, a cyst, or potentially a foreign body in it like a grass seed. I do think it's a good idea to get checked out by a vet tomorrow, but I would not have a digital tumor high on my list as a potential diagnosis. I hope this helps!

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