Skin Tag Removal Problems on Dogs

Skin tags on dogs are benign skin growths and may occur on any area of the dog's body. Senior dogs are more prone to skin tags. Skin tags are also known as fibropapillomas, skin polyps, fibrin tags or achrochordons, according to Dr. Mike Richards of Vet Info. The removal of a skin tag is not necessary unless it bleeds, causes discomfort or is irritated. Veterinarians remove skin tags through surgery. While generally safe, the skin tag removal procedure may have potential side effects.

  1. Anesthesia Complications

    • Surgical skin tag removal is performed under local or general anesthesia, and it is typically safe. However, anesthesia may have negative side effects or complications including vomiting, lethargy, allergic reactions, seizures and in rare cases, death. Avoid surgery if your dog is older, or if it has heart disease or a medical condition that may not allow anesthesia. A pre-anesthetic diagnostic test should also be performed to determine if the dog is not allergic to the anesthetic, and it may reduce potential risks.

    Wound Infection

    • Post surgery infections may occur, especially if the wound is not covered and your dog licks the wound. The dog's saliva is filled with bacteria that may cause an infection. The wound area may be swollen for 2 to 3 days, and this is normal. However, if your dog experiences pain and creamy-white discharges (pus), contact your veterinarian as the wound may be infected. The veterinarian will prescribe oral antibiotics or topical ointments to control the infection.

    Scratching and Chewing the Wound

    • The surgeon typically covers the wound with a sterile bandage, and you should change it regularly until the wound is healed. Don't allow the dog to chew or scratch the wound area, because it may remove the bandage and expose the wound to infectious agents in the environment. The scratching and chewing can also tear the skin or the sutures. Apply a safe repellent (cayenne pepper for example) on the bandage or put a lamp-shade or Elizabethan collar around the dog's neck to prevent it from chewing on the bandage. Keep the collar on until the wound heals, and remove it only when the dog eats.

    Malignant Skin Growths

    • After removal, the skin tags that grow on areas where malignant tumors are common (around the mouth or lips) should be biopsied. A pathologist establishes if the growth is malignant and whether additional treatment is necessary. Schedule a follow-up to remove the sutures (10 to 14 days after the surgery) and discuss the test results.