Bumb and hair loss

Reaghan · #1 28th September 2009, 06:25 PM

Hi Everyone!

Bailey had two small red bumps that looked like mosquito bites that have turned into a larger area that resulted in hair loss. The bumps looked like they enlarged and became flat and now she is missing hair in these spots. She has one bump on her back paw and the other on her chest.

Has this happened to anyone else?

Thanks,
Reaghan

BoxerBella · #2 28th September 2009, 07:28 PM

Could they be histiocytomas? A google search should show you what they look like. Bella had one on the back of her leg- it started off looking like a bug bite or like something stung her, but it kept on growing and was completely hairless. I think it was kinda pinkish. If that's what it is, they're basically a harmless benign tumor. Bella's fell off... well, actually it got caught on the leg of my friends' jeans, bled all over her, then scabbed and fell off... Gross.

Aside from that, it could really be anything from a harmless cyst to a cancerous tumor... It's never a bad idea to check it out with your vet, especially since boxers are prone to cancers. But hopefully it's nothing! I think boxers get weird skin things often.

Nicole · #3 28th September 2009, 10:04 PM

Or mange or a staph infection. Best thing to do would be to take her in to the vet for a diagnosis. Then, if they happen again, you already know what it is and how to treat it.

Traci · #4 28th September 2009, 10:50 PM

I agree with Nic, better safe than sorry!!! Hope it all turns out well.

Justine · #5 28th September 2009, 11:52 PM

Yea I agree with Nic and Traci. You want to get it checked out so it doesn't get worse. When Joke got mange it started out looking like little ant bites, and I gave him benidryl and waited too long "hoping" it would get better. Better safe than sorry!! Good luck, let us know what happens.

Missi · #6 29th September 2009, 10:05 AM

If it is a hystio you can put iodine on it and it will speed up the falling off process. Many vets will want to surgucally remove them but it is not necessary since they fall off on their own.

Reaghan · #7 30th September 2009, 12:46 PM

Thank you all so much for your insight. I think I will take her to the vet to find out exactly what it is. She was spayed three weeks ago and that's when it started showing up.

-Reaghan

Nicole · #8 30th September 2009, 04:35 PM

Hey Reaghan...chances are it's nothing...Boxers are known for getting odd lumps now and again...better safe than sorry until you're more familiar with things :) Might be as simple as her hormones acting up (fading out, whatever) and giving her skin crazies. :) Good luck and let us know!

If the vet tells you they need to be cut off, make sure you ask if they are something that will go away on their own. Some vets are out for money and some are overly-aggressive (not all). Don't know how familiar you are with your vet.