Red Bump Underneath Dog's Nose

2 Weeks Ago

My dog has red bump right underneath his nose. I noticed about 2 weeks ago. Since then it has gotten bigger and redder. It almost looks like its going pop. It doesn't seem to bother him and he doesn't seem to be in any kind of pain as he lets me touch it.

He is eating and acting normal. Nothing has changed as far as his routine goes, but it has been getting warmer here and usually when it gets warmer his allergies/hot spots start to act up so he has been scratching a lot.

The itching is all in the belly/groin area and this usually happens every year when it gets warm so I doubt this is what caused the bump to develop. He also had an application of Frontline 4 days which he has had in the past and never had a problem with it.

I don't know if this has anything to do with it but lately he has been trying to bury random things around the house. When he does this, he rubs the area where the bump is located on the floor. Perhaps this is what caused it? But he has done this in the past and nothing has happened.

I'm hesitant to put any kind of cream or ointment on it due to its location being so close to his mouth. I worry he will lick anything I put there.

Buddee has been fairly healthy over the years and has not had any major health issues. However, he does have some behavioral issues like anxiety and fear of certain noises.

Should I take him to the vet? or is this something that will resolve on its own that I should just monitor and watch closely?

Do you have any suggestions on what kind of topical treatment I could use that is safe for him to ingest?

Buddee's Info:

Breed: Jack Russell Terrier

Age: 9 yrs

Diet: Currently he is eating Stella and Chewy's raw frozen food in duck flavor (usually he eats Natures Variety chicken raw) with a pump of salmon oil. I also leave out some orijen grain free kibble all day just in case he gets hungry.

Activity Level: He's not too active as he was when he was younger.. He goes to the dog park/beach about once a week.

Pic #1 is what the bump looked like when I first noticed it about 2 weeks ago.
Pic #2 is what it looks like today.

Thanks in Advance!
Jennifer

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Red Bump Underneath Dog's Nose

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My Online Vet Response for Red Bump Underneath Dog's Nose
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Jennifer,
From the photo you submitted of Buddee's nose from today compared to two weeks ago, the growth/bump seems to have doubled in size. Considering the rapid growth and its appearance, it looks like a mast cell tumor. These skin tumors can spread, but are usually confined to the skin area, rarely going to deeper organs. I would definitely advise that you take Buddee to a veterinarian.

If you take him to a holistic veterinarian, the goal will be to treat his 'whole' system, NOT just the red bump. A holistic veterinarian may take an impression smear of the red bump to see if it is a possible mast cell tumor AND take notes to treat his seasonal allergies, his anxiety and fear of certain noises using homeopathic remedies, NOT surgery. The problems I have seen is that when these tumors are surgically removed, there is a higher chance for more tumors to appear, and for his other 'problems' to get worse.

A conventional vet will suggest getting a diagnosis, by either an impression smear of the bump, or a biopsy done under general anesthesia. And then offering surgery as the only treatment.

Holistically, you are already feeding Buddee a good diet, BUT you should use a more natural dog flea and tick preventive. Frontline is not healthy for him.

You did not mention how often he is vaccinated. I am very suspicious of tumors erupting within weeks or months of receiving a vaccination. At his age, I would NOT advise any more vaccinations. Only Rabies is required by law, and with treatment by a holistic veterinarian, an exemption form can be written to exempt Buddee from getting any vaccine, including Rabies.

To find a holistic veterinarian in your area click here:
find a holistic veterinarian in your area

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the 'click here to add your own comments' link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Thank you!
by: Anonymous

It has been years since Buddee has gotten vaccinations. I do titer testing every year and so far he has not needed any vaccinations according to titer test results.

Thank you for your quick response! I will make an appointment with the vet. I don't have a holistic vet as of right now so I will definitely find one ASAP!

So do you recommend I decline the option to have it surgically removed if needed? Any suggestions on whole body treatment that you would recommend?

Thank you, Jennifer

My Online Vet Response for Red Bump Underneath Dog's Nose
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Jennifer,

That is wonderful that you have used antibody titers to monitor whether or not Buddee needs a vaccine. This way you will be sure NOT to over vaccinate him.

You wrote,
"Do you recommend I decline the option to have it surgically removed if needed?"

As a first option, I would decline surgery. Meet with a holistic veterinarian, and discuss the pros and cons of treating homeopathically. If Buddee has not been too suppressed with allopathic (conventional medication), then he should respond well to homeopathic remedies.

You wrote,
"Any suggestions on whole body treatment that you would recommend?"

Adding some immune support supplements to his diet, such as Immuplex from Standard Process, one capsule in his food two times daily.

Another good product is Mega C powder from OrthoMolecular Specialties. It is a multi-vitamin/mineral compound with high doses of buffered Vitamin C for dogs. Buddee would only need about 1/8 of a tsp in his food two times daily (One teaspoon contains 3,000 mg of Vitamin C!).

And once you find a holistic veterinarian, they might also have some good suggestions for whole body support.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the 'click here to add your own comments' link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

P.S. If you've found this service or our web site helpful, please "Like" us by clicking the like button at the top of the left margin. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Related Pages:
- Dog Warts,
- Dog Skin Conditions,
- Ask a Vet Online Library - Dog Warts, Cysts and Strange Growths Section
- Canine Tumors (Dog Cancer),
- Ask a Vet Online Library - Canine Tumors/Dog Cancer Section

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