A Growing Leg Lump That Didn't Respond to Antibiotics

A lump that keeps growing after several courses of antibiotics probably isn't a simple infection. It's worth finding out what it is before deciding on surgery. If it hasn't been done yet, ask for a needle sample (fine needle aspirate) to look at the cells. It's quick, often done without sedation, and tells you whether the lump is harmless or something that should come off.

Being an older dog doesn't automatically rule out surgery. Your vet can check blood work and heart health to judge the anesthetic risk, and some small lumps can be removed with sedation and local anesthetic. On the leg there isn't much spare skin, so if a lump does need to come off, it's easier and safer to do while it's still small.

If you decide against surgery, keep measuring it and taking photos, and ask your vet what changes should prompt a rethink. Go sooner if it bleeds, opens up, grows quickly or starts to cause limping.

See lumps and bumps on dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.