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My senior dog has a small pink growth on her inner thigh. What is it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 11 years and 4 months old | 50 lbs

I noticed today that my 11 year old 50lb mixed breed female dog has a pink growth, in the inner thigh region right where the leg joins the body. The attached picture isn't the best but is the only one she will let me take, I don't think she's in pain she just doesn't like to be grabbed. The growth is roughly the size of half a penny, hairless, smooth, and firm but not solid to the touch. What could it be?

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 8th, 2019

This growth could be 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 Momo's vet a call in the morning to make her an appointment.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 5th, 2017

    It appears to be just a "wart" to me. That being said, it is not always easy to tell from a photo. I would not be worried but I would call the rescue or organization you are fostering her for and let them know. They may want it checked out immediately. I would have it checked out if it changes in any way - like gets much larger, harder, swollen underneath, etc. and then I would suggest removing it at the time she gets spayed (I'm assuming since it is a rescue they will spay her?) That way the new owner will not need to worry about it later. Hope this helps. If you have any more questions please post again! Best wishes!

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    Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 2nd, 2017

    It could be a lymph node, some local inflammation under the skin, or a tumor. There are also certain types of cysts that can develop under the skin like this. It appears well rounded and not inflamed, which are signs that it may not be something serious. To get an accurate diagnoses, you would have to take her to the vet. However, you can also wait a while (a week or more) and just observe it for changes in size or color. If it grows rapidly, changes colors, or appears irregular, then it's best the take her into the vet. If it goes away, then I would not worry about it any longer. I hope that helps and all is well with Sadie.

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