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A Round Open Sore With a Lump Beside It

Reader Question
I just noticed this today (it wasn't there last night). It's a round sore with raised outside edges, and the center is open. Perhaps ringworm, but couldn't find information about center being open wound. Dog is 6-year-old Shih Tzu, She is up to date on all vaccines, and I haven't changed anything in her diet. I keep her hair very short. There seems to be a lump or swelling under the skin to the left of sore.


Answer from Our Team

An open, round sore with raised edges and a lump under the skin nearby isn't typical of ringworm, which usually causes dry, scaly patches of hair loss. More likely causes include a skin infection or abscess, an irritated area from licking, or a growth, and these need a vet to examine them. A rare deep form of ringworm called a kerion can also form a raised lump, which is another reason to have it checked.

Please have her seen within a day or two, especially because of the lump, and the same day if the swelling grows quickly, feels hot or very painful, oozes, or she seems unwell, stops eating or has a fever. Your vet may take a swab or a small sample from the lump. Until then, keep the area clean and dry, and stop her licking it, for example with a cone.

See ringworm in dogs and hot spots on dogs.

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

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