Red Bump Underneath Dog’s Nose

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.

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.

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

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 OrthoMolecular Specialties, 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

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

My siberians both get these bumps on their muzzels and around their nose and the bump will continue to grow in size if we leave it untreated. We had ours checked out and they said its some sort of skin mites. So we put frontline on them 1 a month and their hair grows back and the bump goes away.

Dear Anonymous,
Regarding skin mites on your two Siberian Huskies, treatment with Frontline is NOT holistic. Nor is it very healthy for your dogs. From your comment, it sounds like you must continue to apply the Frontline once a month, to prevent the ‘bumps’ from re-appearing on their muzzles.

That does not sound like a very effective ‘treatment’, if a toxic material needs to be continually applied. It would be best to get to the root of the problem of WHY your dogs are getting skin mites. Perhaps a weak immune system, poor diet, and/or too many vaccinations??

Another resource for vets knowledgeable in homeopathy is AVH.org.

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.

Hi.
We have a 3 year old husky that has a similar red bump and was wondering if any of you were able to figure out what exactly it was. Any help would be amazing.

Thanks.

May 11, 2013

Dear Anonymous,

Thanks for your question. I’m happy to help, but we only accept new questions from subscribers (the original question above was from a subscriber).
Please sign up and submit your question and photos. I’ll then get back to you right away at the bottom of your newly created web page.
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

My dogs started like that, it increased to about buckle size but very fat, sticks off the skin. His is right beside his nostril, it grew VERY fast. The first reply was correct, mast cell tumor. This is my dogs second large one, he has to smaller ones on his legs as well. They are benign (sp?) and from what I’ve heard the surgery to remove it can cause more discomfort them the actual tumor.

My husky lab has that same bump. It’s ringworm. I know cause my son got it and now we are all on mess for ringworm.