Breaking Open of the Lumps in the Skin with Yellowish, Brownish, Bloody Secretion in Dogs
The breaking open of lumps in the skin of dogs with a yellowish, brownish, or bloody secretion is a symptom that can indicate various skin conditions, including infections, allergic reactions, or tumors.
Can Occur with the Following Diseases:
Basics and possible causes
A dog’s skin is a complex organ consisting of several layers, including the epidermis, dermis, and subcutis. It serves as a protective barrier against external influences and houses a variety of cells and microorganisms. The appearance of lumps in the skin can indicate inflammatory conditions, infections, or abnormal cell growth.
A common cause of breaking open skin lumps is a bacterial infection. Pyoderma, for example, is a skin infection caused by bacteria such as staphylococci. These bacteria can easily penetrate injured or irritated skin and cause inflammation, which manifests as pustules, lumps, or abscesses.
Allergic skin reactions, such as those that occur with atopic dermatitis, can also promote the formation of lumps. In allergic reactions, there is a hypersensitivity reaction of the immune system, which can lead to skin irritation and lump formation. These lumps can become inflamed and break open, leading to secretions.
Neoplastic changes, i.e. tumors, can also cause lumps in the skin. These can be benign or malignant. Mast cell tumors are one of the most common malignant skin tumors in dogs and can be characterized by their degeneration and breaking open, accompanied by secretion.
Typical accompanying symptoms
- Itching: Often accompanied by intense scratching of the dog, which can further irritate the skin and cause lumps to break open.
- Redness: The affected skin area may appear reddened, indicating inflammatory conditions.
- Swelling: Lumps may be accompanied by visible swelling of the skin, which may be sensitive to pressure.
- Hair loss: Locally limited hair loss around the lumps, often due to scratching or the inflammatory reaction.
- Odor: An unpleasant odor may emanate from the open lumps, especially if a bacterial infection is present.
- Lethargy: The dog may appear generally tired or listless, indicating the strain caused by the infection or inflammation.
- Loss of appetite: Sometimes the dog’s discomfort can lead to reduced food intake.
- Fever: In some cases, a systemic reaction with Fever may occur, especially in extensive infections.
When to visit the vet?
A veterinarian should be consulted if the lumps in the skin of the dog break open and secrete a yellowish, brownish, or bloody secretion. This is especially important if the lumps grow or multiply in a short period of time.
If the dog shows signs of discomfort, such as Fever, loss of appetite, or Lethargy, an immediate visit to the veterinarian is advisable to avoid serious complications.
A veterinarian should also be consulted for signs of pain or discomfort, such as excessive Scratching or licking of the affected area, in order to clarify the cause and begin appropriate treatment.
Symptom recognition for animal owners and veterinary diagnostic procedures
It is important for the pet owner to recognize the symptoms early. This includes observing the dog for signs of Itching, redness, or Swelling, as well as regularly examining the skin for unusual lumps or Skin changes.
The veterinary diagnostic process typically involves a thorough physical examination of the dog to assess the extent and nature of the Skin lesions. The veterinarian will also likely take a medical history to record the history of the symptoms.
For further clarification, the veterinarian may perform diagnostic tests such as skin biopsies, cytology, or blood tests. A biopsy can help determine the type of lumps, while cytology can provide information on infections or inflammatory conditions.
In some cases, special tests, such as allergy tests or imaging procedures, may also be necessary to identify the exact cause of the Skin changes.
What can pet owners do and professional therapy options
As a first measure, the pet owner should prevent the dog from further irritating the affected area. Wearing a neck brace can be helpful to avoid excessive Scratching or licking.
It is important to keep the affected skin areas clean to minimize the risk of infection. Regular cleaning with antiseptic solutions can help prevent the spread of bacteria.
The pet owner should make sure to provide the dog with a balanced diet and plenty of fresh water to strengthen the immune system and promote healing.
It is crucial not to use any self-prescribed medications or home remedies without consulting a veterinarian, as these may worsen the symptoms or have undesirable side effects.
After the veterinary diagnosis and treatment recommendation, the prescribed medications or topical treatments should be used consistently and according to the veterinarian’s instructions to support rapid healing.
Are you unsure what is wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our symptom checker for more clarity.