I found a small, pink, raised bump on my dog's neck this morning. It is about the size of a pencil eraser. It does not have a head, and is the same color throughout, but I can feel that it extends below the skin a bit. She could not have had this lump/bump for more than a week or so because I check her frequently for skin bumps.
She is behaving normally otherwise, but the location of the bump is concerning me. What should I do? I have pictures of it if you need to see what it looks like.
Thank you!
Julie
Dr. Marie replied:
I'd love to see a picture of it! Keep in mind that I can't officially give you a diagnosis over the internet. But I can give you an idea as to whether you should be worried or not.
You can send a photo to photos@askavetquestion.com.
Thanks!
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Customer reply:
Just sent the pictures, thank you!
Dr. Marie replied:
Thanks!
My first thought when looking at this is that it is likely a wart. If this is the case, there's not a lot that you can do about it. (Stuff like Compound-W doesn't work at all).
If it is a wart she may get more of them.
Here are some things to look for that would make me more concerned about it:
-If the color starts to look more red or "angry".
-If it starts ulcerating
-If it is growing really rapidly.
If any of those things happen then have your vet see it right away. Otherwise you can likely wait until your next visit.
The main concern that I would have if it wasn't a wart would be that it could be a mast cell tumor. It really doesn't look like one from the pictures. But of course, there is only so much you can tell from pictures! So, this is a case where I would say to follow your gut instincts. If something is telling you this is not right then have your vet see it soon.
Hope that helps!
Dr. Marie.
Customer reply:
Okay, thank you.
Sorry for this question, but what does ulcerating mean?
Thanks again!
Dr. Marie replied:
No worries!
Ulcerating means that it is open and oozing.
Customer reply:
Thank you so much for your help--one quick follow-up question. It seems to have sprouted up rather quickly. I routinely check her for ticks and other skin anomalies and did not notice this bump. It's been about a week since I last checked her. Does the relative speed with which it has developed alarm me? I really appreciate your help!
Dr. Marie replied:
I wouldn't be worried at all about the speed in which it grew. It's really common for my clients to suddenly notice warts that they swear were not there a few days before.
Customer reply:
Dear Dr. Marie:
I checked her bump today and the color has faded from the light pink it was yesterday to more a whitish color. The size is about the same (if not, maybe, even a bit smaller).
I just wanted to check in with you to see if this change makes any difference in how I should proceed.
Thank you again so much for your time!
Julie
PS-I will, of course, pay you for this answer! :o)
Dr. Marie replied:
Interesting. I'm really not sure how to advise you here. Turning from pink to white really shouldn't mean that there is anything serious going on. It's possible that it wasn't a wart but maybe a big welt from an insect sting?
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Veterinarian, Dr. Marie created this site to be able to provide quick, accurate veterinary advice online. She would love to help with your pet's problem!
Dr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.
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