My dog's dark, bleeding skin tag-like growth: is it serious?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | spayed | 8 years and 7 months old | 79 lbs
Hello, my dog has had this tag in her right hind leg for close to a year. It looks like a skin tag but is dark maroon/purple in color. Tonight while itching her hind leg with her teeth, I think she accidentally ripped the tip open. It did bleed quite a bit for something so small but I got it to stop. Is this not just a skin tag but something I need to worry about?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on October 8th, 2019
This lump/bump/growth should be ideally examined by your local vet to have a diagnosis established. Your vet may want to perform an FNA (fine needle aspiration) or a biopsy to sample the bump and determine its underlying nature. Differentials would include skin cysts, infections, benign or more malignant type of tumors. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on February 2nd, 2018
Thanks for the question. The little bump looks like it could be a benign nevus, like a mole you or I might get, but small little bumps can look different in photos than in person. Usually, a benign nevus does not bleed. It is possible it was rubbed or irritated and that caused the tiny bit of bleeding in the photos. If the bleeding or redness persists, or if it grows, I definitely recommend letting your veterinarian take a look at it. At this point it is very small and if removal was necessary, it would be a simple procedure. I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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