Older Labrador With Hard, Bumpy Skin Under the Chin
by michelle
(Bay Area, CA)
Reader Question
male labrador retriever. Approx 14 years old. Is currently under treatment for e-coli infection in the bladder. Treatment just competed which consisted of a total of 3 convenia injections 1 x every 2 weeks. the last injection was 9 days ago.
within the lest couple weeks, the dog has been trying to scratch/rub his face on anything. The skin under his chin and particularly on the left side is bumpy and hard. Has bled due to scratching.
Dog has been previously (1 month ago) been tested for Cushings disease and the test was negative.
within the lest couple weeks, the dog has been trying to scratch/rub his face on anything. The skin under his chin and particularly on the left side is bumpy and hard. Has bled due to scratching.
Dog has been previously (1 month ago) been tested for Cushings disease and the test was negative.
Answer from Our Team
Bumpy, hardened skin under the chin with itching and bleeding is more likely an inflammatory or infected skin problem than a tumor, such as a skin infection, an allergy flare or a reaction to a recent medication, especially in a dog recovering from another infection. But in an older dog, firm thickened skin can also be a tumor.
Let your vet know about the new face rubbing, and mention the recent injections. A skin cytology or culture, and a needle sample or biopsy of any firm area, will help sort it out.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
