My dog has a bleeding, sensitive red growth on its mouth. What is it?

The photo is a little fuzzy so its hard to say. It may be an oral papilloma, which is due to canine papillomavirus. Typically these resolve on their own, but many more may pop up over the next few weeks on his lips and in his mouth. It could also be an inflamed hair follicle or a skin infection. If its not resolving over the next few days to weeks, or if it seems to be getting worse or causing him discomfort, please take him to your vet to be evaluated. Here is an article on canine papilloma virus. http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/oral-papilloma-virus-dogs Thanks for asking PetCoach!

This could be gingival hyperplasia. It is an overgrowth of the gum tissue. It is typically a benign condition. Bulldogs are one of several breeds that have a predisposition to the condition. You would need to have this confirmed by your veterinarian with a physical exam. In severe cases, the excess tissue is trimmed away. It can increase the risk of periodontal disease since food, hair and other debris can get caught up under the tissue.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Scrappy Doo. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian. I am worried that his skin in the pictures is infected. If so, he will likely need a topical disinfectant solution as well as oral antibiotics to help him heal. I hope this information helps!

While odds are good that Monty's lesion is likely a viral papilloma, the only definitive way to determine what's causing the lesion is through removal and biopsy. Viral papillomas are most common in young dogs (like Monty), as well as those that are immunosuppressed. While viral papillomas are contagious between dogs, in young dogs they typically resolve without treatment. That said, some do dramatically worsen or become infected, which is a bit more complicated to manage. Topical treatment won't do any good, particularly for any lesion in the mouth. It would be best to have this lesion evaluated by your vet, who may recommend diagnostic testing to confirm their diagnosis. With that said, it's also not wrong to continue monitoring it to see if more lesions develop or if this one changes at all before pursuing further investigation. Until you know for sure what is causing this lesion, keep Monty away from other dogs at doggy daycares, dog parks, or kennels. I hope that everything goes well!

I recommend getting her in to see your vet right away. The location alone of this growth is in danger of occluding her breathing, as evidenced by the coughing. Anything in the mouth and/or tongue will bleed, and there may be more bleeding that you aren't seeing because she is swallowing it. Please don't wait to get her seen. If caught early, there is a better chance of getting the growth surgically removed before it can spread or choke her.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. Judging by the color and the fact that it is in the mouth, it is likely a melanoma, the most common oral tumor in dogs. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good one!