This week's Ask the Vet question:
"My Chihuahua has a bump on his front right leg that looks like a pimple or small wart but does not seem to bother him. Should I take him to a vet?"

I thought he had been bitten by a spider or mosquito because it came on rather suddenly and was initially reddish in color. Now it has reduced in size and not inflamed at all and doesn't seem to be painful, but it's still there after 3 weeks. I'm wondering if he got a splinter or something and maybe the skin has grown over it.

Thanks for your help!

Dr. Manley's Reply:
Hi,

You should have the lump checked. Most lumps are minor problems. An exam and a biopsy of the site will determine if the problem is minor or serious. Biopsies can be collected surgically or by needle aspirate. Surgical biopsies are more accurate but require anesthesia and are more invasive with a longer recovery time (removal and analysis of the entire bump). Needle aspirates do not require anesthesia or a scalpel. A hypodermic needle is used to remove a small sample of cells from the bump. The needle aspirate is less accurate because of the sample size, and some lesions have cells that are packed tightly together and will not enter the needle. But another advantage of the needle biopsy is that it will give your early information - you might find that this is a benign condition and it does not need further treatment, or you might be told that this is a malignancy and precautionary steps should be taken before the lump is removed. The point is that too many lumps and bumps look alike for us to be able to tell you based on appearance whether or not it is a serious problem. The cells inside the lump will give you the answer.

Thanks for the question....Dr. Manley"

Dr. Cleveland Manley, Jr. is one of the wonderful veterinarians at VCA Pet Doctor in Richardson, TX. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University - College of Veterinary Medicine.