My dog has a boil-like lump below his ear. What should I do?

Question

Our terrier mix dog developed what looks like a boil below his right ear over two days. See photos. I shaved the area to get a better view. We think it started as a "skin tag" two days ago and then developed into this. It doesn't bother him, not even when we touch it (he doesn't care). I've been applying a warm compress since noticing it. It doesn't feel rock hard but you can kinda grab it. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 4 years and 7 months old | 18 lbs

Dr. Elizabeth · Accepted Answer

Hello, my name is Dr. Shines and I certainly share your concern. This may be some type of infection but I'm also concerned this could be a skin mass. I recommend to have Tony examined by the veterinarian if this is not going away within 2 week. Skin masses can be many things but red raised masses are especially concerning for a skin cancer called a Mast Cell tumor. Your veterinarian will need to collect a sample of cell to examine under the microscope to determine what this is and if further treatment is needed. At home you can continue to apply a warm compress 4-5 times a day for 10 minutes at a time. Protect the area from any itching or rubbing. Tony may need to wear an elizabethan collar. Again, if it's not completely gone in 2 weeks (and if you don't want to wait, you don't have to), have him examined. It's better to be safe. Hopefully it's nothing!

My dog has a boil-like lump below his ear. What should I do?

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