Paw lump

Hi there, I wanted to get a first opinion on this as I am extremely paranoid about my dog as he has a history of low grade mast cell tumours which all so far have been confined to his body (chest, head and back). Over the last two days he has suddenly developed this pink bump on his toe pad of his back paw and I am freaking out a bit as this would be new territory for us if it is a MCT as I know tumours of paws tend to act more malignant.   I’ve included a picture and my boy does have allergies and previously had horrible interdigital cysts on his front paw but as this is his back paw I don’t think it’s as common to be this? I will of course get it examined but am looking for as many opinions as I can from it’s appearance as to what it could potentially be as aspiration can flare up MCT especially a dog who is so prone to them like mine.   thank you

Hello - indeed, it can sonetimes be difficult to tell an encysted foreign body, for example, from a mast-cell tumour from aspiration, when it comes up between the toes.   There are can be strong clues in the history and exam but if your vet isn't sure, they might well chat to their laboratory pathologist - I have found them to be very useful in making decisions.   I hope that they get to the bottom of this interesting case - please will you you let us know how they get on?

While dogs are indeed more inclined to get interdigital cysts on their front paws, no rule is set in stone and I suspect that the most likely reason for a lump in that place, especially if it is itchy / painful and especially in a dog that is prone, may still be an allergy or a foreign body.  If you chat to your vet at about your concern at the appointment, you may be able to nake a plan of action together in which you can both have confidence.

An old mentor of mine used to say that 'common things are common - look for them first, but be prepared for uncommon things too.'

Good luck with getting your first opinion, which will of course come from your vet.  If the area is being licked or bothered at, let them know in advance, as they may reccommend interim steps to help with this.

Thanks very much. The area doesn’t appear painful to him so far but he uses this paw to scratch his ears a lot so I can’t tell if the itch is the paw or his ears. I consulted with his oncologist and they recommended seeing his primary vet so I will be booking an appointment as soon as possible to get it examined