Wierd Growth On Paw – Malignancy?

Hi Jen,
Comparing the two photos (the one on this page and the one you emailed), between last month and now it does appear that the growth/lesion is growing and changing in color. Those are some of the characteristics of a malignancy. (Other characteristics are change in consistency, and appearance of a drainage.)

You did not mention the age of your dog. There are some types of growths more common in young dogs, and are usually benign. If your dog is older than 4 or 5, then there are other types of growths that look similar to this one, such as mast cell tumors, which can be malignant.

Is your dog chewing it? You mentioned that he is itching more and scratching his fur off. Those are usually not symptoms of a bacterial or fungal infection, or mange. Therefore, antibiotics would not be effective, and I am not familiar with Dermagic.

Some growths/tumors are due to vaccinations, deficiencies in diet, chronic food allergies to preservatives, food colorings or additives or contact with toxins. Certainly consulting with a holistic veterinarian in your area, will help to improve your dog's health, address the cause of his itching, and perhaps pinpoint the cause of this growth, and what to do about it.

You might also check our Your Dog's Diet section to give you more information on what a healthy diet would be for your dog.

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

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DISCLAIMER: 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

Hi Jen, did you ever figure out what was ailing your pup? I have a dog, she's 7-years-old, who's experiencing the exact symptoms.

I wouldn't take any chances with little bumps. Most can be aspirated with a needle, and that is what I would have done, even if the vet "thinks it's nothing."

Joey has had 2 bumps - one was mast cell cancer, one was not.