My dog has a weird white bullseye mark on her paw. What could it be?

Hello, and thank you for using PetCoach. I’m seeing a red, round, raised, hairless mass. This appearance would make me primarily suspicious of either a [histiocytoma](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/histiocytoma/) or a [mast cell tumor](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/mast-cell-tumors/). The only way to tell for sure what this lump is, is via cytology. Your vet will get a small sample of cells with a needle and examine them under a microscope to determine what the mass is. I definitely recommend having this done as soon as possible. A histiocytoma is a benign mass that tends to spontaneously resolve. A mast cell tumor would be a concern, and should be surgically removed as soon as possible. I hope this helps!

I am sorry to hear about your concern for Petey! This could be the start of a lick granuloma https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951978 , a bacterial infection, or a fungal infection like ring worm. I would recommend having Petey examined by a veterinarian as this may require prescription treatment. In the meantime you can try washing with an antibacterial shampoo or Hibiclens (available at most drug stores) and preventing Petey from licking the foot with an e-collar.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! A skin lesion like you are describing can have multiple causes, such as a tick (or other insect) bite, or a fungal or bacterial infection, among others. If it does not resolve in 24-48 hours, spreads, worsens, she starts acting ill or you are worried, I would have it checked by your regular veterinarian to see what may be going on, and if any treatment is needed. Good luck!

They often develop these types of lesions due to an infection under the skin. In this location, I would be suspicious of something like a thorn stuck under the skin. However, it's possible that this is a tumor, or cyst. Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done for this at home. A vet will need to inspect and explore this lesion in order to determine the cause and provide the correct treatment. This may require minor surgery. For now, it may be helpful to soak the foot a warm water bath with epsom salts for 15 minutes twice a day. Be careful not to let Dexter drink any water with epsom salts, because this can cause vomiting and diarrhea. I hope that helps and Dexter gets better soon.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! With out an exam or a picture of the lump it will be hard to say. Since Max is so young the most probable cause is a viral papilloma or an injury that has resulted in an abscess or local infection. If you want to repost with a picture we can try to be more specific. Have a good day!

I agree that these have a "bullseye" look to them, however we don't typically see bullseye lesions in dogs with tick disease, as they do in people (with Lyme disease). Often insect bites can leave this type of lesion, and I'd be wondering whether this was itchy or not, as it could be a mosquito bite or spider bite. Other things to consider would be ringworm and a bacterial skin infection (pyoderma). If Pepe is feeling well that makes me less concerned for tick disease, however based on your zip code Lyme is always a concern, so I would be inclined to get him tested for tick disease as you have found them on him recently.

Thanks for using PetCoach! If the area is flat and has looked like this the whole time, a scar is very possible. Could be that she had some initial injury (poke with a stick, etc) and it has since healed but the skin still bothers her. It could also be a place that bothers her occasionally due to pain (if she has arthritis right there or some other injury that flares up occasionally). Finally, infection and other things are possible. As a first step, try a spray like this: It has a numbing agent for pain as well as anti-bacterial properties. This will not help if it is a scar. If it is raised/lump like, its time to head straight to the vet to make sure it doesn't look suspicious for something more serious. This also holds if the area gets bigger or if more areas like this show up elsewhere. Hope this helps and best of luck to you and Lucy!