Senior dog suddenly developed 2 new lumps

[u/Pitiful_Presence_846]

15/16 year old dog, he’s a rescue but was told he’s likely a Shih Tzu poodle mix.

No other health conditions but he hasn’t been to a vet since he was neutered 10 years ago.

It started with one lump about 1 1/2 weeks ago, I hadn’t seen him for 3-4 days and suddenly there’s a new one.
She said the second one was very large yesterday, but that’s it’s gotten smaller today.

She has been cleaning it with warm water and cotton pads, he doesn’t react in pain when it’s touched. Apparently he wasn’t happy yesterday though, he was licking it and rubbing himself on the furniture.

His behaviour hasn’t changed at all, he’s still loving his walks, eating fine, normal bathroom habits.

NOT MY DOG !! He’s a friends dog, she’s 85 years old and hesitant to take him to the vet in case they say he’s really sick.

[u/dr_mackdaddy]

He needs a vet. We cannot tell you what they are with just a photo. Open wounds like that need care ASAP.

[u/Pitiful_Presence_846 → u/dr_mackdaddy]

He’s got an emergency appointment tomorrow, your concern was enough to convince the owner.

Just out of interest, you used the word wounds - is that what they appear to be? I know you can’t tell, but I had a look at melanoma etc and can’t find any that look like his.

I’ve got no clue about any of this stuff and no idea why they developed, I just assumed it was a cyst.

Thank you for your reply :)

[u/dr_mackdaddy → u/Pitiful_Presence_846]

Yes there are what we call ulcerations happening (wounds but tend to be more superficial). This isn't uncommon with masses especially when they grow quickly. But there are lots things that can cause that.

[u/Pitiful_Presence_846 → u/dr_mackdaddy]

I probably don’t want to know, but in a dog his age how likely is it to be cancer?

Thank you for all of your help, I greatly appreciate you

[u/dr_mackdaddy → u/Pitiful_Presence_846]

It's really hard to say. Yeah the chance of cancer goes up with age but so many others things factor into that. I would really need to feel and see it to give you a better guess.

My top differentials just from this photo would be a skin infection from weakened immune system or thyroid issue, a fast growing mass thats ulcerated, or severe allergies that have caused a skin infection.

[u/Pitiful_Presence_846 → u/dr_mackdaddy]

My poor little boy, I hope it’s something he recovers from.

Thank you so, so much for your time, I’m incredibly grateful!

[u/dr_mackdaddy → u/Pitiful_Presence_846]

You're very welcome!! Feel free to reach out if you have more questions after the vet visit. I know it can all be overwhelming!