What are these painful, recurring growths on my dog's paws?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Max. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian for a procedure known as a fine needle aspirate. The veterinarian will collect a sample of cells and evaluate them under the microscope to diagnose the mass. A histiocytoma is a common benign growth on the extremities of young dogs. Unfortunately, a mast cell tumor is an aggressive cancerous growth that has the same outward appearance. This is why the cells need to be examined. I hope this information helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These could be benign or malignant growths. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. These could even be the result of an infection. These lesions are likely the reason why she is limping though other things like a soft tissue injury are also possible. 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 night!

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. Common tumors in this region include melanomas, squamous cell carcinomas, mast cell tumors and soft tissue sarcomas, among others. 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 night!

Hi there. This is most likely a histiocytoma. They will often regress on their own within a few weeks to a month. My suggestion would be to take Hazel to your vet for an exam so you can get a more definitive diagnosis. Here is a link to an article about this type of mass. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1676 Hope this helps. Best wishes.

It does look like a mass from the photo. A histocytoma is possible but other masses can look identical like a plasmacytoma or a Mast Cell tumor. A foreign body stuck in the skin can also look like this. I recommend to have Leo checked out. Because Mast Cell tumors are cancerous, it’s best to know for sure what that is on Leo’s foot. The veterinarian may aspirate the mass he get the diagnosis. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bruno. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian. He may need a procedure known as a fine needle aspirate to diagnose the mass. The veterinarian will use a small needle to collect a sample of cells to evaluate under the microscope. This will help to determine the type of mass and guide treatment. A histiocytoma is a common mass on the limb of a young dog. This is a benign growth. However, the outward appearance is the same as a cancerous growth known as a mast cell tumor. In the meantime, place an E-collar on him so that he does not cause any self-trauma. I hope this information helps!

Hello, thank you for using PetCoach. This looks to be a histiocytoma tumor which is a benign tumor commonly found on the limbs and face of dogs. It is a benign tumor that usually will regress on its own within a few weeks/months with no treatment. Of course, I am just guessing. It is impossible to diagnose these things via the internet with just a photo. Here is an information sheet about histiocytomas in dogs for you to read. ( https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/skin-cutaneous-histiocytoma ) He should not be licking the tumor - if he is, you need to get him a cone collar to wear to stop that behavior. If he is just licking the paw, that is not likely related to the tumor and is a different issue. As always, if you are worried, you should take him to your vet for an exam. Best wishes.