Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 6/3/2009

Question
My (almost) two year old dog, a peekapoo, had a hard spot on her nose.  It looked like dirt but upon removing some of it it became raw.  It is on the upper nose (I guess you could say the muzzle?) and seems to be a little sore to her when touched.  It resembles cauliflower or the center of a sunflower (little dots).  The area is light brown and is circular in shape.  I was just wondering what this could indicate and if I should take her in or wait to see what happens.  Thank you!

Answer
This is most likely a small tumor of the oil gland on he skin.  It could be a sebaceous adenoma.  When it is small it needs to be removed.  I use a laser to remove these growths.  When it gets larger on the nose there is no skin to close the incision when the tumor is removed.  See your vet for advice.