Dr. Aarff: Dog With Mysterious Bump

Dear Dr. Aarff:
My 5 year old Golden Retriever mix has a red, hairless bump on her back left elbow that started about 6 weeks ago. We didn’t check it out because it seemed to get better and be a callus forming. This past week, it started bleeding and now has a white area on the red bump. It doesn’t seem to affect her ability to move and it doesn’t seem to bother her. Any advice would be appreciated as we don’t have access to a vet until next Wednesday and are wondering if it will be alright to wait until then to check it out.
Thanks!
Stacie

Dr. Aarff:

Hi, Ms. Lewis.  Since it doesn’t seem to be bothering her, I would think that it’s probably okay to wait a few more days to have it checked out.  The white part causes me a little concern as I’m wondering if you could be describing the beginnings of an infection (i.e. a pocket of purulent material).  Make sure when you do go to the veterinarian that you request an aspirate and cytology of the mass as Golden Retrievers are a breed known to be pre-disposed to cancer.

Best of luck.

Dr. Aarff

*Have a question for Dr. Katy J. Nelson?  Email us!  It’s free vet advice!



• Rock Star Products
• Sassy Seniors
• Pet Friendly Places

• Green Pets
• Dr. Aarff
• Aarff Gear

• Pet Gallery
• Bark At Us
• Home