![]() ![]() Excision is cutting the attachment of the skin tag, and cauterization uses heat or electricity to burn the tissue attachment. Surgical removal can be performed by excision or cauterization. Rarely does skin tag removal qualify for general anesthesia by itself unless a biopsy is needed for diagnosis. Usually, skin tags are removed during another procedure such as a dental cleaning, spay, or neuter. Using a local anesthetic depends upon the location and size of skin tag, as well as the temperament of the dog. ![]() Removal can be performed while under generalized or local anesthesia (where medicine is injected under the skin to decrease feeling in the area before cutting). Surgical removal is the only cure for skin tags. If they are the result of a virus, antiviral drugs can be prescribed to treat the lesions. No treatment is required if your dog is not bothered by skin tags. Due to the small size of the lesion, removal may be needed to have enough of a sample to submit to the lab. In a biopsy, cells are removed from the lesion and sent to a laboratory for further diagnosis.Ī pathologist at the lab will look for certain cells under the microscope to give a definitive diagnosis. Biopsies are the only definite way to diagnose a skin tag. However, if the veterinarian is uncertain of the cause, a biopsy is needed. How Veterinarians Diagnose Skin Tags on DogsĮxamination of the lesion by a veterinarian can usually provide a diagnosis. However, any breed can develop a skin tag. Breedīoxers, hound breeds, bully-type terriers, English Bulldogs, and Pugs are common breeds with skin tags. If there are multiple skin tags that are bothersome to the dog, antiviral medications can be used. The papilloma virus is typically of no concern, and it is cured by removal of the skin tag or wart. Papillomas usually cause warts, but on occasion they can cause skin tags in clusters. VirusĪ papilloma virus can cause skin tag lesions. Skin conditions caused by a flea allergy, food allergy, or environmental allergy can cause biting and scratching in one area, leading to a possible skin tag. Skin tags can also occur if a collar or harness rubs the skin repeatedly over time. This is why they are seen most often in pressure areas such as the chest, knees, and elbows. Skin tags are usually caused by chronic irritation. Warts are slightly raised, completely attached to the skin, and usually not moveable.īe sure to monitor skin tags for any changes, and if you notice the growth changing, becoming larger, or you see many of them on your dog’s body, visit your veterinarian immediately in case a biopsy is needed. Some cysts can have a small attachment like a skin tag but will usually get larger over time. ![]() Cysts can be firm or soft, depending on what is inside. Some cancers like melanoma can appear as a black skin tag and may also be easy to confuse.Ĭysts of the skin are usually more attached and larger than skin tags. Ticks, masses, warts, and cysts can look like skin tags but they are different.Ī tick might be tricky to confirm if you do not notice legs extending from the body, do not try to remove it without a veterinarian accessing it first. They can be ether pink or darker in color. They are usually only a few millimeters in size, moveable, and not painful. Skin tags are very small pieces of skin attached by a small stalk-like structure. Skin tags are usually not noticed until they are felt while petting or bathing your dog. You can also make a “skin journal” with location and size to help you remember before your next veterinarian visit. Skin tags are not considered an emergency, but having your veterinarian examine them on their next annual visit is always recommended. As the name suggests, they are skin that has grown differently than normal skin and are usually located on the chest, legs, and neck. Skin tags are small abnormal growths of skin. ![]()
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