Bumps on the Hind Legs & Belly of My Golden Retriever

It can be very alarming to discover that your golden retriever has bumps on its legs or belly. Golden retrievers are a breed that has particularly sensitive skin, and are therefore more prone than average to skin irritations. Dogs can develop lumps and other skin anomalies for many different reasons. Some bumps may be harmless, while others can sometimes be life threatening. Identifying the cause of the bumps can help you start treating the problem as soon as possible.

  1. Allergies

    • Most golden retrievers have very sensitive skin. Their skin can easily be irritated by something in the air or something they've touched. Allergies may result in excessive scratching, and small bumps may form on parts of the skin, such as the belly and back legs. The shampoo you're using on your dog can sometimes cause skin allergies. In this case, switching to a medicated dog shampoo can sometimes alleviate the problem. Other allergies might be caused by the dog's diet.

    Bumps Resulting From Previous Injuries

    • Bumps can often develop on certain parts of a dog after the dog has received a wound or bite. Flea bites can be very irritating, and may cause itchy or painful bumps. Because golden retrievers can be very sensitive, they may have a more severe reaction to biting insects than other dogs do. Abscesses, which are large bumps that contain pus, can often form at the site of an injury. Even if the wound itself seems to be healed, abscesses might form beneath the skin.

    Cysts and Tumors

    • There are many different types of cysts and tumors that can appear as small or large bumps on a golden retriever. Some cysts are simply deposits of fat or a cheesy substance. Although these cysts can occasionally become infected and should be treated by a veterinarian, they are relatively harmless, compared to tumors that may be cancerous or malignant. Some tumors, such as mast cell tumors, are commonly located on the legs or abdomen of a dog. Determining the size, feel and appearance of the bump can help you determine what kind of cyst or tumor it might be. For example, epidermal inclusion cysts are usually firm to the touch, while lipoma tumors are soft or squishy. Sebaceous adenomas are usually pink in color, with a smooth texture. Melanomas are usually dark in color.

    What You Can Do

    • Take your dog to a veterinarian. Although you may be able to start determining what type of bump your golden retriever has yourself, it's always best to get the opinion of a professional. Veterinarians can diagnose the problem, and can tell you the best way to go about treating it. It may be as simple as changing the diet or bathing habits of your dog.