Older Dog With a Growing Red Mass and Several New Spots
by KASS
(Oregon)
A mass that has grown from quarter-sized to fist-sized with new spots elsewhere is much more likely to be a tumor than a skin tag or parasites. Some tumors, such as soft tissue sarcomas, or masses that are ulcerated or infected, don't give useful cells on a needle sample, so a biopsy or removal is a reasonable recommendation.
Ask your vet what removal would involve and what it would tell you. Getting a second opinion is reasonable too, and ask your vet about pain relief for her paw. 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 lumps and bumps on dogs and mast cell tumors in dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
