Edge of ear bump

[Mitena]

My 3yr old hound mix has a small centimeter sized bump on the edge of her ear. Yesterday it was redish and today it is redish black. She won't let me touch it but otherwise it doesn't seem to bother her. Should I take her into the vet or wait and see if it bothers her or gets bigger?

[Mitena]

Thanks you have been a great help!

[tonyb286]

That's good. Excellent. You must have been reassured by this news. My own dog has a small lump on her head, which is also idiopathic. It's worth keeping a close eye on them, because some of these 'unknown cause' lumps can start changing shape, bleeding or oozing fluid (particularly if the dog catches them on something while playing, running, etc), and if they do, they can become infected very easily.

Most idiopathic lumps can be easily surgically removed, particularly if several start growing in similar spots. There is some evidence to suggest supplementation with Vitamin E can help prevent these growths forming. Many vegetables contain Vitamin E, so you might just add a couple of tablespoons to the normal meal. Alternatively, Vit E supplements are available at good pet stores and vet practices.

Tony

[Mitena]

I took her to the vet they said it's an idiopathic cell growth thing. No treatment unless something changes. She said to just keep an eye on it.

[tonyb286]

That's great. Please let me know what the vet says, which will be a useful reference for others with best friends with similar problems. Tony

[Mitena]

Thank you I am setting up an appointment on Monday to have it check out.

[tonyb286]

Sorry, I really meant to add ... keep a close eye on the lump, just in case it changes shape, gets bigger or more appear. If there are any changes, get to your vet, because there is a chance it could be a mass cell tumor. Caught early, there are things you can do about it - but if left too long, they will spread and erupt elsewhere. Tony

[tonyb286]

Hi. It looks like it could be an insect bite to me, but like all unusual lumps, ulcers, swollen tissue, etc., it is well worth you having a vet check it out, just in case. Hounds often have their noses to the ground, which means their ears are almost permanently at the right height for insects to transfer from grass, foliage and so on. Tony