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Customer reply:
From all the time I'm with him he's completely unaware of it.
Dr. Marie replied:
OK, here are the pictures:
There are a few things that this could be. From what I can see in the pictures I think it is unlikely to be anything to be too worried about (especially if he is not bothered by it.)
It's possible that this is some mild "puppy pyoderma". Puppy pyoderma is something that looks like a skin infection but there actually isn't any bacteria involved. It is not itchy and it goes away on its own within a couple of weeks. If it is puppy pyoderma then there may be more bumps that appear.
It could also be the first pustule of the start of a skin infection, but I don't think this is likely.
It could also be an insect bite although at this time of year this wouldn't be that common.
It's very unlikely to be a tumor. I have seen some dogs who have something called a histiocytoma which looks like this, but I have never seen one on the abdomen. They are usually on the ears or head. Even if it is a histiocytoma these go away on their own.
If Max was older I might think that this could be a mast cell tumor, but it is extremely unlikely on such a young dog. Also, mast cell tumors usually look more aggressive - they are usually dark red and often "angry" looking.
If it's not bothering Max I think it's a good idea to just keep an eye on him.
Again, I should mention that a consult online can't take the place of an in person visit so if you are worried you should have your vet take a look!
Dr. Marie.
Customer reply:
Thanks.
From a couple of pictures on the internet it may be pyoderma (though, some sites show dogs that are chewed up by the disease).
If it is that how bad will it get? will it suddenly disappear for good or be cyclical? Will he grow out of it? Is it brought on by food or something?
Dr. Marie replied:
Pyoderma is just another word for a bacterial skin infection. When a dog has pyoderma they start of with small pustules that can indeed look like what you are showing me in the picture. Then, the pustules burst open and you see a little scab and a flaky border around it. Then, there are more pustules that appear as the infection spreads.
If you are seeing more of these red spots then you can take him in to see his vet. They will prescribe some antibiotics and that should take care of the problem.
My guess is though that this won't turn into anything that requires a vet visit.
It's unlikely to be due to his food.
Customer reply:
Ok, thank you
Jay
Dr. Marie replied:
You're welcome...it's always good to hear from you!
Customer reply:
Dr,
I brought Max in for his 16 week shots today.
The red spot is actually starting to flake around the edges. The vet said it was "puppy pimples" or "puppy impetigo (if in greater quantity)".
Said with polysporin it should likely go away. Return if a handful more show up. He said it was the kind of thing puppies usually outgrow (or lessen the predisposition to).
Jay
Dr. Marie replied:
Thanks for the update! "Puppy impetigo" is the same as puppy pyoderma. Nothing to worry about.
Sounds like a good plan!
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Veterinarian, Dr. Marie created this site to be able to provide quick, accurate veterinary advice online. She would love to help with your pet's problem!
Dr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.
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