home Thyroid The dog has a soft bump on his paw. Non-cancerous and oncological types of bumps in dogs. Paw diseases in large breed dogs

The dog has a soft bump on his paw. Non-cancerous and oncological types of bumps in dogs. Paw diseases in large breed dogs

Dogs, just like people, can develop lumps, growths, or growths. Usually, the owner, upon discovering a lump on the pet’s leg, neck, head, muzzle, chin, tail or body, begins to panic. There are many reasons for such pathologies, and not all of them are associated with a mortal threat. However, it is worth showing the dog to a doctor if a suspicious growth is detected.

Causes of lumps appearing under the skin on the back, neck, paw, belly and other parts of the dog’s body

One of the most common reasons for the appearance of a lump on the back, abdomen and other parts of the body is a lipoma, or wen. The seal is movable and does not cause any unpleasant sensations when touched. This defect usually occurs due to a dysfunction of the sebaceous glands. Other reasons for the appearance of a tumor in a dog are:

Depending on the cause of the appearance, lumps can be tumor or non-tumor. The latter do not pose any particular danger and pass quickly. The first ones never resolve on their own and require treatment from a doctor. To determine the type of tumor, it is not enough to simply compare it with pictures in a veterinary encyclopedia. However, a general acquaintance with the types of neoplasms will allow the dog owner to understand whether it is worth rushing to see a specialist, or whether it can wait.

Non-tumor formations

Growths under the skin of an animal can appear on the hind or front paw, forehead, cheek, side, thigh, penis and other organs. It is impossible to determine their danger solely by location.

The location of the growth helps to understand in which direction to look for the cause. The following non-tumor formations are distinguished:

Hernia. This formation cannot be classified as a tumor, but outwardly it often looks like a large ball. Usually located on the stomach and groin area.
Hematoma. A seal that usually appears as a result of damage to blood vessels. Sometimes a hematoma in the area of a joint, knee or elbow indicates a fracture of the limb.
Cyst. Such a growth, which can form in any part of the animal’s body, is usually discovered by chance. A common location for cysts in dogs is on the paws between the toes. Often cysts form in the mouth of animals under the tongue. In this case, the dog’s tongue will always hang to one side.

Surgical excision. If the disease has not gone too far, the dangerous lump is cut out with a scalpel. Often, not only the tumor itself is excised, but also adjacent tissues, since it is difficult to detect its real borders.
Irradiation. Since even surgical removal of the growth does not guarantee complete elimination of the source of the disease from the body, after the operation the dog is prescribed a course of radiation therapy. This helps kill mutated cells that can cause a new tumor.
Chemotherapy. If an animal cannot undergo surgery due to the spread of metastases, it is prescribed a course of cancer-killing drugs. Often after chemotherapy it becomes possible to perform surgery and save the pet.

All three methods are often used to treat cancerous tumors. They do not provide a 100% guarantee of recovery, but they can significantly prolong the life of a sick dog.

What to do at home if your dog has a lump?

Any lumps or swelling that do not go away within a few days should be taken to your veterinarian. This is especially important for identifying abscesses and neoplasms at an early stage of their development. It is quite common for large breed dogs to develop tumors on the elbow and wrist joints. To reduce the likelihood of this, it is necessary to provide the dog with a sufficiently soft place to sleep and rest.

Types of tumors:

Abscess

Causes. Swelling of the subcutaneous layer caused by a bacterial infection. It is often the result of a bite or puncture wound.

Signs. Pain, fever and swelling over several days, possibly followed by an abscess and drainage of pus. An abscess can occur anywhere on the body.

Actions. Contact your veterinarian immediately as this condition may require surgical removal of the abscess and treatment with antibiotics.

Disease of the head glands in puppies (pyoderma)

Causes. Not known, but suspected to be due to hypersensitivity. It appears in puppies of dogs of many breeds up to four months of age.

Signs. Sudden appearance of tumors near the eyes and on the head, which can spread throughout the body. These swellings begin to rupture over time, and pus begins to flow out of them. In other respects, the puppy, oddly enough, can remain quite healthy and quite alert.

Actions. Immediate veterinary assistance for appropriate medical procedures. Usually the course of treatment is very long. With careful care, your puppy will likely recover, but may have some scarring on his skin later on.

Salivary gland cyst

Signs. The sudden appearance of a large swelling under the tongue and at the junction of the jaws, causing drooling and sometimes the tongue moving to one side because it is swollen.

Actions. Seek veterinary help immediately. Surgery may be required.

Cyst

Signs. A homogeneous, slowly growing tumor under the skin in any part of the body.

Actions. Urgent veterinary care if the cyst ruptures and begins to bleed. Otherwise, monitor the cyst for any changes.

Cyst between fingers

Signs. Painful swelling between the fingers.

Papillomas and warts

Causes. Not known, but may be caused by a viral infection.

Often appear in smooth-haired dogs.

Signs. Painless, dark-colored growths on the skin, usually small.

Actions. If the wart quickly increases in size, you should seek veterinary help. If there is no rapid growth, you can talk about it at your next consultation with a veterinarian.

Comment. A number of warts, caused by a viral infection, sometimes appear in the mouth of young puppies.

Ulcers

Causes. Viruses.

Signs. Red, ulcerated areas appearing on any part of the body.

Actions. Seek veterinary help immediately.

Hematoma (blood or fluid-filled swelling)

Causes. This is the result of damaged blood vessels or leakage of fluid after surgery. A common site for hematomas is the ears (see also “What If...?”, No. 45).

Signs. Mild swelling and distortion of the body in the area, sometimes painful, but usually does not cause pain when touched.

Actions. Consult your veterinarian as surgery may sometimes be necessary. A post-operative hematoma may require a support bandage, and your veterinarian will show you how to apply it.

Sensitive area at the injection site

Causes. Local irritation to some drug during injection.

Signs. Pain, swelling and possibly fever. If the injection was given into the muscle of a limb, lameness is possible.

Actions. No further treatment is usually required unless the dog is in severe pain. In such cases, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian.

Bee and other insect bites

Signs. Sudden swelling that can be severe and dangerous if it occurs on the face and mouth, especially in short-faced dog breeds.

Actions. If the swelling is making it difficult to breathe or swallow, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Bruising after a bruise

Signs. Pain and fever in the affected area, which may also bleed where the skin is cut.

Actions. Seek veterinary attention if severe pain occurs.

Lumps and tumors may also be associated with hives and possibly with neoplasms, the most common of which are breast and testicular growths.

If the tumors or lumps do not require immediate attention, make a note on your dog's record so that you know when they were first noticed, where they were, and their size (in centimeters, can be measured with a caliper). It will also help if you compare the size and shape of the lump or tumor with some common object, such as a golf ball, a coin, etc. Consistent measurements will give important information about the rate of growth and may be a major factor in the decision the question of the need for surgical intervention.

Does your dog lick itself too much?

Licking is a common procedure for cleaning a dog, removing dirt from its fur or paws, cleaning a wound, or removing excess secretions. Bitches lick the area around the vulva during heat and estrus. Dogs lick their genitals after mating.

Many dogs will care for the wounds of the animals they live with, as well as clean the genitals and anus of puppies.

If you think your dog is licking an area of his body too much, check to see if there is a wound, an insect bite, or a thorn embedded in his body. Constant licking may cause further damage to the skin, so the area should be examined.

Excessive licking may indicate the following problems:

Granuloma caused by licking

Causes. Often this is self-inflicted wounds due to inactivity, stress or nervous excitement.

Signs. An irritated, swollen red area on the skin in a place that the dog can easily reach, often the paw (wrist).

Actions. It is important to seek veterinary attention as constant licking can cause a wound that is difficult to heal. It is also necessary to re-think how the dog spends his day and improve anything to make the dog's life more active and interesting.

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Any adequate pet owner from time to time examines his pet for the appearance of various injuries, injuries, as well as neoplasms. And at some point in time, the owner may notice bumps on the dog’s paws. These formations can be very different, both in color and size, and in the pain they cause. However, in any case, this issue must be taken as seriously and responsibly as possible. It is important to correctly diagnose the causes and prescribe timely, effective treatment.

Causes of bumps on dogs' paws

These types of growths can appear for a variety of reasons. However, the most common among them are the following:

mechanical injuries, blows, cuts, etc.;
bites of various insects, especially ticks;
skin damage, as an option, rubbing;
incorrect, unprofessional injections into the animal’s paws (in general, trust only a specialist to give the injection - this will save your pet from many problems);
a complication that sometimes occurs after surgery;
abnormal functioning of the so-called sebaceous glands;
infection, in which a colony of bacteria or other harmful microorganisms multiplies in one small place;
complications associated with chronic illnesses;
allergies – in some cases, bumps appear on dogs’ paws as a reaction;
fungi;
arthritis, simply changes in the structure of the joints associated with the age of the pet;
genetic characteristics of an individual organism;
consequences of dystrophy, illiterate, unbalanced nutrition, lack of vitamins;
oncology.

If you have discovered a neoplasm, it is quite difficult, almost impossible, to clearly name the cause of its appearance. For more accurate diagnosis, technologies such as puncture, MRI, radiography and some others are used. However, some, albeit incomplete, information. It can also be obtained at the preliminary stage of inspection.

What does the color say?

Lumps on a dog's paw can come in a variety of colors. And some information about the problem can be obtained from the color of the bulge.

Red	If there is swelling and/or puffiness, it indicates a possible abscess, an allergic reaction, for example to a tick bite or a medicine. We can also talk about a malignant tumor.
Pink	In this particular case, with a high degree of probability we are talking about papillomas or malignant, as well as benign neoplasms. For obvious reasons, only a qualified veterinarian can make an accurate diagnosis. But the soft texture of a lump on a dog's paw indicates that the tumor is most likely benign and operable.
Black	This may turn out to be an ordinary hematoma or wart, or a cyst.

Why all this reasoning? You cannot use any therapeutic actions, for example, warming up with external heat sources, opening swellings, even applying any ointments is highly discouraged. And not only because dog owners, as a rule, do not have the appropriate experience and skills, but rather, this is due to the fact that treatment errors with an incorrect diagnosis are fraught with serious consequences, even death.

Abscess

Ulcers most often appear on the surface of the skin, but there are also internal ones, which are more severe and complex. Growths associated with infection appear as a result of mechanical trauma, cuts, and scratches. In this case, dirt, debris, wood, and glass may get onto the damaged area. Naturally, inflammation and abscess follow. Subcutaneous mites are also often the cause of the growth.

Under no circumstances should you open any bumps on your dog’s paws that are caused by an abscess. The fact is that the wound contains a large number of microbes, bacteria, and other pathogenic organisms. If opened incorrectly, they may enter the bloodstream. In this case, they will spread throughout the body, quickly affecting healthy cells and organs. As a result, the likelihood of blood poisoning and death is extremely high. Just like that, they simply opened the appendix, and the result was disastrous.

Conclusion: contact a veterinary clinic, where the operation will be performed by professionals using sterile instruments and materials.

Pododermatitis

Extremely unpleasant growths and swellings can form between the toes of dogs with pododermatitis.

The most important thing is that they do not just cause some discomfort, but cause real pain. As a result, the pet becomes inactive and prefers to lie quietly. If necessary, he begins to limp and sometimes even whine pitifully.

There is a certain risk group for breeds for which bumps on the paws of dogs in the form of pododermatitis are most relevant.

Among them are:Labradors, shepherd dogs, primarily German ones, bulldogs and some others. Owners of representatives of such breeds need to regularly, more often than usual, inspect the llama's pads and the space between the toes.

In the process of treating this disease, owners will be asked to radically reconsider the conditions of keeping the animal. In the vast majority of cases, the problem becomes urgent due to poor nutrition, lack of necessary vitamins, amino acids, and the dog’s constant presence in a damp room.

Allergic reactions

Of course, allergies can manifest themselves in the most unpredictable, sometimes even very original and bizarre ways.

In particular, in dogs it often manifests itself in the form of bumps on the paws. The reaction may be to insect bites such as ticks, mosquitoes or fleas, or to injections, alternatively, during vaccinations. It is worth understanding that these types of symptoms go away quite quickly on their own. However, in cases where this does not happen, it is necessary to seek advice from a veterinary clinic. It is advisable to do the same if the dog has active itching at the site where the lump appears.

Hematomas and warts

Appearance

Warts

On the skin they are quite common in dogs of smooth-haired breeds. This is not to say that this is some kind of scourge, but they can cause quite real troubles. Warts come in different colors and sizes. It is important to understand that it is necessary to remove growths only if they clearly interfere with the animal. Otherwise, veterinarians will not even “talk” on this topic.

Hematomas

These are formations that appear after mechanical blows from the paws. They are usually soft and dark, black in color. If their appearance on the body can still be taken calmly, then on the paws it is worth paying at least close attention. The fact is that bruises, as a symptom, can also characterize a more serious injury than a bruise. It could be a ligament rupture. Ideally, you need to observe for a day. And if there is no improvement, then be sure to consult a doctor. By the way, if you take a pet with a hematoma straight to the veterinary clinic, it will definitely not get worse.

Oncology

As in people in the initial stages, malignant neoplasms do not cause any particular trouble or any discomfort. It’s not surprising that owners don’t pay attention to the bumps on their dogs’ paws – everything seems to be normal. And this continues until metastases affect important organs. In this case, the real torment of the animal begins. In this case, it is impossible to provide effective assistance; the only option left is euthanasia. If only for this reason, you should not ignore growths on the limbs.

Yes, contact your veterinarian, take the necessary tests, undergo a course of treatment and enjoy a long and fulfilling life for your pet!

How to help your dog before visiting the vet?

If, when examining an animal’s paws, you find lumps, then do not rush to panic. To begin, put on sterile, preferably medical, gloves. This is necessary in order not to become infected yourself when it comes to viral infections, and not to introduce bacteria from your own hands.

After this, carefully examine the lump on your dog's paw. First of all, pay attention to the following points:

color;
the presence of painful sensations;
“crater” structure (this is observed in acne, for example);
presence of an unpleasant odor.

If the color of the skin has not changed significantly, there is no smell, and there are no special “complaints” about the pet’s well-being or discomfort, and the temperature has not risen, then you can observe for a couple of days - there is a chance that everything will resolve.

In all other cases, it is necessary to take the dog to a veterinary clinic for examination and consultation with a specialist.

The biggest problem in some cases is the itching that appears at the site of the lump on the dog's paw. As a result, she begins to actively lick this place, and sometimes simply gnaw. This cannot be allowed under any circumstances. It is clear that you won’t be able to keep your pet in sight all the time, so it is recommended to put a special plastic collar on it.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that pain relief, if necessary, is important to use only with drugs intended for dogs. Many “human” medications for animals are deadly, for example, paracetamol. Nowadays, it is not difficult to call a veterinary clinic and get the necessary advice. Use it, don't do more harm

Your dog may not be a wolf, but healthy legs are also extremely important for him. If there are any problems with the pet’s limbs, then it cannot move or play normally, and therefore quickly weakens and may even die. The variants of such phenomena, unfortunately, are very diverse, but one of the most dangerous is considered to be an interdigital cyst in dogs.

To begin with, “cyst” is mistakenly called a disease that is actually This term is a general designation for various inflammatory pathologies that affect the paws of dogs. Therefore, in each specific case it is necessary to understand and look for the exact cause of the disease.

The problem lies precisely in this. Very often, owners until the last moment think that their dog is limping because of a thorn or grass stubble stuck in the paw pad. Not finding anything similar, they can’t think of anything better than to anoint the pet’s paws with ichthyol ointment. And such breeders turn to the veterinarian after their pet completely stops walking. Sometimes it ends with the amputation of part of the paw, so we would strongly advise against doing this! It’s better to play it safe and immediately contact an experienced specialist.

Clinical picture

In general, some “problems” with the paws can be noticed immediately: your the dog is constantly licks or generally chews its paws, lameness soon develops. Interdigital cysts are thought to be most common in young animals under four years of age. Practice proves that most often bull terriers, as well as bull terriers, get sick. Regardless of gender and breed, all pets with congenital or acquired pathologies of the musculoskeletal structure of the limbs are at risk. During a medical examination, you can immediately identify: dorsal (on the top of the foot) interdigital erythema (redness), swelling, nodules and papules, wet and foul-smelling areas.

Read also: Balanoposthitis - diagnosis and treatment of a delicate disease in dogs

The dorsal interdigital lesion is characterized by the appearance of extensive areas of alopecia, erythema, edema. Directly “cysts” form both between the toes and on the plantar side of the paw pads. Interdigital follicular cysts are most often found on the front paws between the fourth and fifth interdigital spaces. But still, lesions can occur anywhere. In particular, cases have been described in which all interdigital spaces were ulcerated. Cysts are often even symmetrical. But you shouldn’t look for “mysticism” in this: if in a particular case the disease is a consequence of exposure to pathogenic microflora, then a dog that continuously licks its paws will sooner or later spread the infection to the neighboring limb.

Predisposing factors

Let's consider the modern theory of the occurrence of interdigital cysts and the main causes. It is believed that in the occurrence of pathology, an important role is played by or injuries of the ventral interdigital ligament, and/or congenital and acquired anatomical pathologies. Note that the disease is very common in dogs with a bad habit, expressed in constant licking of their paws (some dogs relieve stress this way). Some experts are more inclined to believe that the disease is a consequence genetic predisposition of some individuals to increased keratinization. They are echoed by other researchers who report that sick dogs often exhibit abnormalities in the development of hair follicles, which also indirectly indicates problems with heredity.

As a result, follicular cysts (the worst case scenario) can be multiple, developing simultaneously on several “floors” of the skin. All this leads to the fact that hair begins to grow into the thickness of the skin, and pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microflora and dirt get there. All this, “flavored” with the animal’s saliva, turns into an excellent nutrient substrate for microbes.

It is this circumstance that leads to the fact that even the prescription of powerful antibiotics does not solve anything: yes, the symptoms will subside for a while, but they will soon appear again. The picture is the same with corticosteroids - a week after stopping their use, everything returns to normal. To make matters worse, repeated development of cysts often results in the formation of fistulas. All this, oddly enough, plays into the hands of veterinarians - the method of treating cysts is extremely simple, although radical. But more on that later.

Diagnostic techniques

Making a diagnosis is quite simple. In many cases this is enough local inspection of affected surfaces. But all this is not so significant. It is extremely important to identify a specific pathogen, for which the veterinarian takes sample of affected tissues, with its subsequent use for microscopy, cytology, seeding on nutrient media for the purpose of growing a culture of the pathogen. The simplest method of visually identifying cysts can be performed even by a non-specialist. To do this, you need to squeeze the pads in your fingers: if the dog really has this pathology, you will clearly see whitish-gray inclusions that appear on the surface of the skin after pressing.

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Let us note that this diagnostic technique can be carried out only after the administration of loading doses of sedatives, since otherwise the dog may well receive a painful shock. But still, this method is really good, as it allows you to make a diagnosis with almost 100% probability in complex and doubtful cases. Let us once again emphasize the importance biopsy, since only after examining the tissue can we speak with confidence about cysts.

Therapeutic techniques

As we mentioned above, The treatment method is quite “simple” - only surgical intervention. Drug treatment is ineffective (again, we already talked about why). The simplest version of the operation is the so-called “podoplasty”, that is, partial excision of the pads of the paws and, possibly, the fingers. Unfortunately, simplicity and economy are the key to frequent side effects, which include severe lameness and, subsequently, frequent relapses. Therefore, today many veterinarians are inclined to believe that the only effective method is complete surgical amputation of affected tissue.

Now the operation to remove an interdigital cyst is not so “barbaric”, laser therapy is widely used. The method for performing this procedure is well documented. A 70% success rate is reported. But here it is important to take into account that only a good veterinary surgeon can perform the operation so that your dog fully recovers, and therefore it is better not to skimp on the clinic.

If everything is done perfectly, the wound heals by primary intention within about two weeks. Postoperative care consists of prescribing systemic and local antibacterial drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Please note that in the first two weeks you need to strictly limit the dog’s movements and constantly change the bandages (so it is better to leave the pet in the clinic for this period). In severe and advanced cases, unfortunately, relapses are not uncommon, so the operated dog needs to be examined regularly even after its discharge from the clinic.

A caring owner always monitors the health of his dog: he examines, feels, checks the skin and fur so as not to miss the first manifestations of tumor pathology. The greatest concern for owners is tumors, which are also called lumps.

A lump in a dog that is not associated with cancer can appear for various reasons:

Tumors can appear under the skin, then they are clearly visible. Sometimes formations grow in soft tissues and palpation is required to detect them. All non-cancerous formations can be treated well, the main thing is to show the animal to the veterinarian in time.

Abscess

A large abscess can occur in any part of the body. Local inflammation is caused by pyogenic bacterial pathogens. An abscess appears in the area of an open wound, bite, or puncture.

There are two types - superficial and deep. A superficial abscess forms in the subcutaneous layer, where tissues swell and swell, and pus accumulates locally. The deep process penetrates under the mucous membranes, sometimes into the internal organs.

A lump near the tail in the anus occurs due to inflammation of the perianal glands. An infection sets in, the area swells, and a foul odor appears.

The tumor on the paw grows right before our eyes, and after 3 days it becomes loose. The dog is lethargic, weak, and does not eat well. The temperature is rising, it is clear that she is worried about painful sensations.

Warts and papillomas

A common occurrence for smooth-haired breeds of pets. One of the reasons for the appearance is DNA viruses. The disease does not appear immediately after contact with an infected animal.

New growths can grow either singly or crowded. Papillomas resemble cauliflower in appearance. The same branched structures and darkish color. The consistency is soft and loose. Their favorite place is the muzzle and oral cavity, as dogs love to lick themselves. Often papillomas appear near the eyes.

They can often be seen in the paws, armpits and groin areas, where they are less contagious. Bleeding from a papilloma is an unfavorable sign; the dog should definitely be shown to a veterinarian to avoid malignancy.

Warts on the neck, paws, and abdomen have a smooth surface and resemble a nodule-like formation. Color varies from pink-raspberry to dark burgundy or brown.

Hematoma

The cause of the appearance is rupture of blood vessels, accumulation of excess fluid after surgery. Hemorrhages occur more often in the ear area due to injuries, scratching, and blows with paws. The more damaged the vessel, the larger the lump grows.

Under the thin skin of the ear, the swelling quickly increases in size. It looks like a heating pad or pillow. It can cause significant discomfort and surgical intervention is required if pus accumulates.

If swelling appears on the paw, it may be a hematoma due to ligament rupture, muscle or tendon damage. The temperature rises locally, and sometimes the lymph nodes become enlarged. A lump after surgery may occur if the dog licked or scratched the stitches.

Cyst

The cyst-like lump can occur anywhere, in any part of the body. The reason is compression of the gland ducts or blockage. It is often discovered accidentally during a regular examination. A skin cyst has a number of characteristic signs:

localized in the upper layer of the skin;
has a round shape;
upon palpation, soft and loose to the touch;
usually painless;
sizes about the size of a pea and up to 5 cm in diameter.

The cyst between the toes looks like reddish abscesses that the animal constantly tries to lick. In the oral cavity, the formation invades the salivary glands and can be localized under the tongue, in the parotid region.

Pyoderma

A typical disease for puppies under 4 months of age, accompanied by itching and purulent discharge. The most vulnerable breeds are boxer, sharpei, and chihuahua.

A curious pet cannot avoid the bites of various insects - ants, hornets, spiders, hymenoptera insects. Smooth-haired breeds are most often affected.

If a dog is bitten by a bee or wasp, swelling and redness will occur at the site. The animal feels severe itching and tries to scratch the swollen area with its paws. Bites occur in areas such as paws, fingers, ears, mouth, eyes.

What to do if detected

When you see a lump on your dog’s skin, you need to carefully examine it and carefully palpate it. If there is pain, you should immediately show your pet to a specialist, since the pathology can be dangerous due to suppuration, spread of infection, and malignancy.

A visit to the veterinarian cannot be postponed. Special tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis:

tomography;
biopsy;
X-ray examination;
smear;
radiography.

Only after this the treatment tactics are determined. Depending on the pathology, these may be conservative methods or surgical intervention. Under no circumstances allow your dog to chew, scratch, or lick the bump. Because of this, there may be granulomas, infection, and bleeding.

Take care of your pets, examine, stroke, feel. With enough attention, you can always detect any disease in the early stages and consult a specialist in time. Timely treatment will help avoid unpleasant consequences.