A Hard Lump With a Hair in It Under a Young Yorkie's Nose
by Chantal
We can't tell for sure what it is without a vet seeing it, but a firm lump with a hair or plug in the middle is often a cyst or small growth that started in a hair follicle. These are usually benign. They contain keratin, which is why they can feel hard, and some slowly get bigger while others stay the same size for a long time. Matrix cysts in particular can slowly turn into a benign hair-follicle tumor, so it's worth keeping track of its size.
Please try not to pluck or squeeze it. That can introduce infection or rupture the cyst under the skin, which causes a sore, inflamed lump. Keep the area clean and watch it. Many vets can take a quick needle sample in the clinic, which costs much less than surgery and usually tells them whether it needs to come off at all.
Plan a vet visit when you can. Go sooner if it grows quickly, bleeds or opens up, becomes red, hot or painful, or starts to interfere with eating or breathing through her nose. If cost is a worry, ask your vet about a payment plan, or look for a low-cost clinic, humane society clinic or veterinary school near you.
See cysts on dogs and lumps and bumps on dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
