Little Bumps on My Doberman's Back

According to the Humane Society of the United States, 39 percent of households in the United States have at least one dog for a pet. Caring for a Doberman requires close observation of signs and symptoms of illness due to the inability for pets to tell us when they are ailing. Bumps on a dog's back, head or legs alerts the owner of a disruption in the dog's health or skin condition.

  1. Pyoderma

    • Lesions such as pustules, papules or collarettes demonstrate signs of an infection called pyoderma. Pyoderma is treated with antibiotics. The veterinarian chooses the antibiotic according to the organism that causes the Doberman's infection. Common antibiotics given to a Doberman for pyoderma include erythromycin, clindamycin, cephalexin or trimethoprim-sulfonamide. Besides the organism that causes the infection, antibiotic prescribing relies on the depth of the infection, the cost of the medicine for the owner and the course of administration.

    Abscess

    • An abscess on a Doberman appears as a bump or sac that contains pus. Abscesses form from an injury to the dog, such as a bite from another animal or a puncture wound from an object such as a stick or thorn. As white blood cells congregate to the area to fight off infection, the cells turn to pus. A veterinarian will prescribe an antibiotic for the infection and may have the owner apply warm compresses to the infected area. A veterinarian may lance the site of the abscess if the lump does not drain on its own.

    Papillomas

    • Papillomas or warts on a Doberman's skin are commonly formed from viruses. A single bump may grow or multiple growths are possible. Papillomas on the dog's back do not cause concern, but the growth of warts on a Doberman's legs may cause the dog to excessively lick the area, causing problems. Papillomas alone do not harm the Doberman, but it is wise to have a veterinarian make the call if the bumps are indeed papillomas.

    Cancers

    • Skin cancers in dobermans often appear as bumps. According to CanineCancer.com, one-third of all tumors found on a dog reveal skin cancer. A Doberman owner should inspect the dog's skin by frequent petting all over the dog's skin surface. Concerning skin cancer signs a Doberman owner should call a veterinarian about include large tumor sites, skin areas or lumps that bleed and do not heal or a bump that changes in size or color.