My rescue dog has a worsening sore on his private area. What is it?

I'd have to say that I'm concerned about that focal mass area that is pigmented black, but the rest of this lesion does not look like any type of skin cancer I have seen. If the vet is concerned that this is cancer, typically we debulk (remove as much as possible) or completely remove what we can before attempting chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is also best guided when we know exactly the type of tumor we are dealing with, as there are several types of cancers that can affect the skin of dogs. My advice would be to get a biopsy performed of this lesion and get an exact diagnosis before proceeding with treatment.

I recommend to take Greta to see her veterinarian. While most skin masses are benign, masses that a red/pink, hairless and raised are a concern for a malignant skin tumor called a Mast Cell tumor. It also appears as though this mass is ulcerated regardless and it needs to be removed. Once masses grow to the point of ulceration, they will heal and break open over and over again which can make them prone to infections not to mention oozing/bleeding. Just like with a human, the doctor will likely take a sample of the mass or remove the mass entirely and microscopically exam it. Thats the only way to know what it is accurately. In the mean time, protect the mass from trauma and wash it daily with an antibacterial hand soap (rinse it well). You can apply a small amount of coconut oil and rub it well into the skin. This may help the wound to heal a little faster. I hope this helps to point you in the right direction. Please feel free to post any further questions!

This presentation could be due to a trauma initially or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). For sure there is an over infection due to scratching or licking. A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

That looks pretty deep. I would be suspicious of skin cancer or an autoimmune problem. If it is allergies, they are severe. I recommend to get a second opinion. A biopsy may be the next best step to figure out what this is and how to fix it. I hope this helps.

From the picture, I'm concerned that he may have a mass -- or it could be the way his skin hangs that looks like a mass. Either way, the area looks very irritated and would be suspicious of a superficial skin infection that is causing discomfort. I Would recommend getting him to a vet today for evaluation and starting on antibiotics if needed, or sampling the mass if there is indeed a mass within that area.

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. Judging from the photis, this appears to have a raised area in the center. This could be a sebaceous cyst that ruptured and is now secondarily infected or has an open wound on it that won't heal. I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at this and have some additional testing performed on it to determine what it could be. With more information on what this could be, the most appropriate treatment can then be started. If you are unable to get to your vet right now, I would recommend using an ointment called zymox topical ointment to apply to the area. If the ointment does not help aftwr 5-7 days or it worsens during that time, I would get kane to the vet for an exam. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

Poor Scrappy. It is difficult to see details as the picture is blurry. It almost looks like a mass in the picture. I would make she isn't licking or scratching it. I would put a cone collar on her to prevent the licking if needed. I would also have your vet take a look at it. With how red and ulcerated it is, she likely needs some antibiotics and may need to have it removed. I hope this helps.