A Weeping Lump at the Base of an Older Terrier's Tail
by A reader
Reader Question
I was grooming my dog when I came across this strange lump/ boil/ bite at the base of this tail. Hes starting to lose his hair around it and it keeps weeping blood and clear liquid. It does irritate him and looks sore. Hes always been irritable around his bum. But I hasn't put him out the ordinary.
Hes 12 years old, Jack Russell x West Highland Terrier. Hes recently changed on a senior food and is on a diet. He has also had his flea and worming protection in the last 2 weeks.
Hes 12 years old, Jack Russell x West Highland Terrier. Hes recently changed on a senior food and is on a diet. He has also had his flea and worming protection in the last 2 weeks.
Answer from Our Team
A sore, weeping lump at the base of the tail can be an infected cyst, an abscess, a hot spot from flea allergy (the lower back and tail base is the classic flea spot), an infected tail gland, or a skin growth that has ulcerated. Anal gland problems can also cause irritation in this area.
Please have your vet see it soon. A quick needle sample or skin test usually shows what it is, and growths that are weeping are best checked early. Keep it clean with saline and stop him licking or scratching with a cone if needed.
Go sooner if it's growing fast, very painful, or he seems unwell.
See lumps and skin tumors on dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
