Help! My Dog Has Lumps! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“ My dog has these lumps and like stuff on her it’s like I brush her and chunks of like scabs come out of her and like white flakes I don’t know what to do ” – Lisa (Mom to Coco)
Quick Info about Coco
Dear Lisa,
I’m sorry to hear about Coco’s skin issues. The combination of lumps, scabs, and white flakes you’re observing can result from several underlying conditions. Some possibilities include environmental or food allergies, bacterial or fungal infections, parasitic infestations, a condition called seborrhea, or even skin malignancies such as cutaneous lymphoma.
Dermatological cases are complex because a variety of potential causes can present similar signs. Therefore it is necessary to take Coco to see a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis. They likely will need to perform skin scrapings for a cytology examination on the microscope, and might even need to collect a blood sample or a skin biopsy to determine the exact cause of Coco’s skin problems.
In the meantime, ensure Coco is on a balanced diet rich in essential fatty acids, as these can promote healthy skin and coat. Your vet will be able to recommend a suitable dog shampoo, which might be medicated depending on the diagnosis. You might also need a pour on oral medication or perhaps topical creams. Once the vet has the diagnosis, Coco can get the best treatment for her case.
Dr. Paola