How to help my dog with a smelly armpit growth before surgery?

Hello, Unfortunately, the only remedy for this is to have it surgically removed . Otherwise it will continue to be infected and cause problems. The sooner it gets addressed, the better because the bigger it gets, the more difficult the surgery will be. Once it is removed, your veterinarian can send it off to determine if it was benign or malignant. Try to get an appointment with your veterinarian soon because it is likely already infected if it has a bad odor. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! That area definitely looks like it needs to be removed. It likely has a poor blood supply and healing can be difficult. I recommend having it removed and have it sent to a pathologist to determine what it is. There is no way to know just by looking at it. I would see if you can move your vet appointment up to have the mass looked at sooner. When the skin is ulcerated like that, most pets won't leave it alone and it can get worse. I'm the meantime, you can wash it with a mild soap and water. Good luck and kisses to Jacks!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This may be a benign or malignant growth. This could even be an infection. This cannot be completely assessed just by looking at pictures and usually requires sampling such as fine needle aspiration to determine its origin. 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!

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 her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

If he is scratching at it, I would recommend an elizabethan collar until you can get him to a veterinarian. I do recommend a veterinarian because the growth is most likely infected. At his age, it is important to consider health when deciding if you wanted to growth removed. The only way to stop this from ever happening again is removal. I would discuss if this is something that can be done with Eddie. The only way to see if the growth is concerning is also from removal and biopsy. Again, this should be discussed with your vet. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The area looks moist so it is likely a superficial skin infection or hot spot. I would wash the area with water and mild soap and apply a triple antibiotic ointment twice daily. The area does look a bit swollen so watch it closely. If there is no improvement over the weekend have her checked by your Vet Monday. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely due to a secondary infection. Even if not treating the tumor per se, I recommend antibiotics. You can have your veterinarian take a look at her and if they agree, antibiotics can be prescribed at that time. This is likely to improve the smell and infection but also improve her comfort. Good luck and have a great day!