Growth in between paw pads

We noticed a growth in between the pads of our dogs paw approx a week ago when we noticed blood on the floor. My dog had been chewing on the growth causing it to bleed. After inspecting it i have no clue what it could be and my google searches turn up sooo many posibilities. I would like to identify it as well as know my options for treatment. Any help?!

Hello - we're glad you're aware of this lump.  What it is, as with any lump, depends on the type of cell that the lump is made up from, rather than its physical appearance - this cannot be told from the outside.  However, there are wide ranging possibities that I'll attempt to list in a minute.  Licking beyond the scope of normal grooming is usually indicative of pain or irritation (this is unsurprising - you can see that the superficial skin layer looks to have completely come away, probably because of continued weight-bearing on that portion of the foot) so we would strongly reccommend that the vet sees this lump as soon as possible in order that they have the opportunity to make things more comfortable.  Possibilities may include cancer, particular if fast growing, but remember that cancer can be malignant or benign.  Other possibilities might include an inflammatory lesion, trauma or even an over-licked foreign body.  None of these are likely to calm down and get better on their own, especially not if the patient continues to lick and put weight on it, so we would strongly reccommend seeing your vet as soon as possible.

Did you ever make it to the vet? My dog has a similar growth and we’re having it removed today. I’m feeling nervous and this is the most similar that I’ve found.