[Rottie]

My Rottie Kaiser is 6 years old. We adopted him from a very good Rescue Kennels in September 2009. He is a beautiful dog and extremely affectionate, but at the same time extremely protective of his home, my wife and myself.

He had a skin tag on his front chest just about in between the front legs. It is about1.1/2 inches long and looks like a small balloon. Two vets had passed him as OK with this before we had him, saying it was no problem, no threat and to just keep an eye on it.

My vet said the same in September 2009 and again in September this year.
They will not take it off unless trouble occurs or if he has to be anaesthetised for some other reason. Call it cosmetic.

Although all this checking comes up clean, it looks awful dangling down, but we have to live with it.

Have any other members had experience with this kind of Skin Tag ?

[Rottie]

Originally Posted by Rottie

My Rottie Kaiser is 6 years old. We adopted him from a very good Rescue Kennels in September 2009. He is a beautiful dog and extremely affectionate, but at the same time extremely protective of his home, my wife and myself.

He had a skin tag on his front chest just about in between the front legs. It is about1.1/2 inches long and looks like a small balloon. Two vets had passed him as OK with this before we had him, saying it was no problem, no threat and to just keep an eye on it.

My vet said the same in September 2009 and again in September this year.
They will not take it off unless trouble occurs or if he has to be anaesthetised for some other reason. Call it cosmetic.

Although all this checking comes up clean, it looks awful dangling down, but we have to live with it.

Have any other members had experience with this kind of Skin Tag ?

Well thank you very much. I joined this Forum to obtain answers ti dogs problems. What do I get - NOTHING ! Not much point in it really is there ?

[cigwyllt]

Don't think there is any need to be so annoyed - it's one of those things that happens when we Brits join any international forum. The forum was quite quiet yesterday evening and of course it is only 8.30 am in whichever part of the USA the forum is based. Also if you hang around you will see that although there is a large number of members the bulk of the answers and support is provided by a handful people. If you are prepared to wait a while you may well find someone who has had experience of skin tags. I have never seen that on any of my dogs but I have seen a fair number of forums and this is one that has good advice, firm moderation and lots of expertise. If you sign out because you have not had a reply quickly enough you could lose out on valuable advice or support.

[CorkyMax]

A bit impatient aren't we!! I just now saw your post that you posted only 15 hrs ago.--Which would have been 5:30 pm last night--my time! And I wasn't going to reply because I have never had any dogs (as of yet!) with this kind of thing!! I have a suspicion that most members have not either. So you may not get an answer to your question--maybe 1 or 2 answers if you are lucky. Did you search the internet by putting the appropriate words in your browser?

Rudeness does not attract someone to want to answer your post. 'Catch more flies with honey type thing here!

From the net: Skin tags on dogs are noncancerous growths that may need to be removed if they cause your dog any discomfort. Skin tags in dogs are often confused with canine skin cancer, but they're normally quite harmless. Here's what you should know about canine skin tags and when you should have them removed.

What Canine Skin Tags Are
Canine skin tags are small skin growths that look like warts. They're often mistaken for canine skin cancer, but in fact they're benign (noncancerous). Vets don't know why dogs develop skin tags, but they think factors like genetics or allergic sensitivities may play a role in the development of skin tags in dogs.

Identifying Skin Tags on Your Dog
Dog skin tags look a lot like warts. They can grow anywhere on your dog's body. If you find one skin tag on your dog, there's a good chance he has more on other parts of his body.

Unlike warts, which are thick at the base and solidly rooted to your dog's skin, skin tags are thin and floppy at the base. The entire skin tag may have a flattened appearance, or it may be slightly rounded and have a tear drop shape. Skin tags tend to dangle from the skin and, unlike warts, you can move skin tags back and forth with your fingers. Skin tags are the same color as your dog's skin.


When to Remove Canine Skin Tags
Skin tags are usually harmless and, in most cases, don't require removal. However, sometimes skin tags can become irritated or damaged. This can happen if your dog scratches the skin tag, if the skin tag catches on something, or if the skin tag somehow gets pinched or crushed; larger skin tags are more vulnerable to damage than smaller ones. Injured or irritated skin tags should be removed; your vet can perform this procedure quickly and painlessly on an outpatient basis.

If skin tags appear around your dog's mouth or on his lips, they may be cancerous, or they may become cancerous. Consult your vet if your dog develops skin tags around the mouth or on his lips, and monitor them carefully for any changes in appearance, size or shape.

In rare cases, canine skin tags become cancerous. If your dog has skin tags, check them frequently for any changes in size, shape or appearance. If you notice any changes in the size, shape or appearance of any of your dog's skin tags, consult your vet. The tag may have become cancerous and will need to be removed.

[Rottie]

I do sincerely apologise for jogging my post, feel quite bad about it.

I have only just joined and am guilty of making a bad start for which I am very sorry.

It is not always easy to recognise the huge time difference between countries, the US being 5-8 hours behind and the Far East up to 12 hours in front of the UK.

Please accept my apology and I really have no intention of being "rude" as one respondent infers. Bear in mind that the interpretation of "rude" is dependant of individual sensitivity.

Rottie

[lange]

I will say this for the regulars, the majority of questions are replied to by someone and most first timers don't even acknowledge or respond to those who have spent time helping and yet I've never heard a reg. complaining over it.

As for your question, I've never had any experience with skin tags on dogs.

[Lunareclipse]

I have seen them on humans, but never on a dog. If you really want it removed, you'll have to shell out a couple hundred bucks and have it surgically removed. And even if you have it removed, it could still grow back. I know it probable looks horrible, but if it's not causing problems, you should probably let it be.

[Rottie]

Originally Posted by Lunareclipse

I have seen them on humans, but never on a dog. If you really want it removed, you'll have to shell out a couple hundred bucks and have it surgically removed. And even if you have it removed, it could still grow back. I know it probable looks horrible, but if it's not causing problems, you should probably let it be.

Thank you Lunareclipse.
Fine, it is like me having a wart on the end of my nose. Looks horrible but not life threatening, so I go around looking like Pinocchio with a knot in the nasal wood, but life is still good.

In raising this thread, I hoped that more people would have had this problem in dogs, but the response is not at all good. Never mind, I`ll keep my eye on it.

[Lunareclipse]

Just be thankful that's all that's wrong. It could be worse. We have an epileptic dog. I think I'd rather deal with a skin tab. It may look horrible, but it's not life threatening and your dog doesn't need medication for the rest of it's life for it.

Skin tabs on dogs is not all that common. It's going to be a problem finding out about them on any forum. Best thing to do is call and ask your vet.

[Rottie]

Very gratifying responses. My eternal thanks.

Rottie

[jalilee]

I have a 5 year old Pittbull Boxer mix with the exact same problem. You sounded like you were talking about my dog.
Chopper's tag started out looking somewhat like a nipple, now it dangles as you described like a tiny water balloon. I had him checked by his vet who assured me this was normal in dogs over 4 yrs old.
I have never seen Chopper bothered by this tag , even to the touch. But I have to admit it is not pretty.
Just today I noticed what seems to be another one starting on the back of his front leg. This one is kind of weird it looks about the size of a lima bean cut right down the middle but connected at the base. (Honestly I thought it was dirt and tried to brush it off as I wiped his feet)
I came on hoping to see some photos of other dogs with skin tags -- just to reassure myself that this is normal. I have not been able to see many photos just one that was red and looked nothing like Choppers.

[Rottie]

Originally Posted by jalilee

I have a 5 year old Pittbull Boxer mix with the exact same problem. You sounded like you were talking about my dog.
Chopper's tag started out looking somewhat like a nipple, now it dangles as you described like a tiny water balloon. I had him checked by his vet who assured me this was normal in dogs over 4 yrs old.
I have never seen Chopper bothered by this tag , even to the touch. But I have to admit it is not pretty.
Just today I noticed what seems to be another one starting on the back of his front leg. This one is kind of weird it looks about the size of a lima bean cut right down the middle but connected at the base. (Honestly I thought it was dirt and tried to brush it off as I wiped his feet)
I came on hoping to see some photos of other dogs with skin tags -- just to reassure myself that this is normal. I have not been able to see many photos just one that was red and looked nothing like Choppers.

It is a long time since I raised my thread, so long I have almost forgotten it, but your reply after all this while was so welcome being that the problem you describe is just like my Kaiser`s.

I have tried on several Forum`s to get some answers, but never have. Your reply is the only one I have had that appears to know what I am talking about.

I have a rather poor but good enough picture of this pestilence dangling on his lower chest between his shoulders and attach it for your interest. The full Kaiser is in the second shot and again when "Off Duty" - you can just see the tag top chest.

Many thanks for your kind reply and I do hope your dog is OK and these tags do not bother him. I do not come onto this Forum much, but I do get a Gmail message that a reply has been sent, that is how I got yours.

My very best wishes to you both,
Rottie.

[milehouse]

Hi
I must say your Rottie is a gorgeous dog.
I have a female GSP 10 years old. She has a skin tag on her hind leg. It has been there for a few years but lately has become a bit more pear shaped and sometimes bleeds. I then clean it with antiseptic and it doesn't bother her.

I was wondering whether you ever got any conclusion to your Rottie's skin tag. Has he still got it? Are you going to do anything about it?
Regards
Liz

[DobermanGuy]

That would be easy for a good Vet to remove in my opinion. I doubt the scar would even be noticable if done correctly. (I DID look at your picture of it)

Dog skin is not like people skin. There is usually a lot more of it and it moves around much more freely.

We were involved in an auto accident once long ago and had a Doberman inside the vehicle with us. A very bad accident... The dog actually lost a large chunk of skin in the process. (an area of skin about the size of your open hand was GONE) No muscle damage here - Just the skin... Our Vet had no problem pulling the surrounding skin/hide together and sewing it all up. The remaining scar was about half the size of a cigarette butt and not noticeable unless you knew exactly where to look.

If this were MY dog and considering the fact that it is 6 years old - I would start looking for a reputable Vet that is especially skilled at dog teeth cleaning. I mean a Vet that is GOOD at this... One that will do a 'below the gumline' cleaning and full dental x-rays. If they only do above the gumline cleanings and do not do dental x-rays - Find a better Vet. It should be quick and easy for any Vet to correct this skin problem while the dog is asleep already having his teeth checked and cleaned. You would be getting two birds with one stone in my opinion.

Attention to the teeth becomes more important as dogs grow older and if you already have to go to the Vet and have them put to sleep for that - Why not go ahead and fix the other issue as well while the dog is there and under sedation???

[Lara's mom]

As I understand it, skin tags occur in humans that are overweight. I've never heard of a dog having one. It doesn't make sense to me that the dog would have to be "put under" to remove it. I'd consult some other vets. I would bet it can be removed with local freezing since that is how it is done with humans.

[jlee]

My 11 year old pit bull started to develop a skin tag about a year and a half ago. It has gotten very long and dangles (and looks weird) but doesn't cause any pain or discomfort. She doesn't even know it is there. It doesn't look anything like Rottie's skin tag but I thought it might be helpful for you to see what my dog, Zoe's, looks like. Picture is attached (I think/hope - I've never used this platform before).

-Dog Mom

[milehouse]

Hi Jlee
Thank you for posting the picture of your dog's skin tag. What a lovely belly lol. My girl's skin tag is almost the same size as that only it's on her leg. It's not bothering her one bit so I think I shall leave it alone. Thank you for your input.. Woof from my doggy to yours!

[36monsters]

Hi! My pup Luci is part Chi and part Minipin and is just shy of 3 years old. About six months ago i was rubbing her belly when i noticed she had a little skin nubbin under her right armpit. i joked around that it was her ninth nipple and that it was the source of all her mystic powers. The vet said it was nothing but to keep an eye on it. Everythging was fine until about a month ago when it started to grow. I took her to the vet when it got to the point that just picking her up would pinch it. Again he said it wasnt anything to worry about but because it was irritating to her that he"d take it off. They had to knock her out fully, take a chunk the size of a dime (on a chihuahua thats HUGE) and then stitch it with a single dissolvable stitch. Total cost for peace of mind? $300. i am glad i took care of it as it was in a place where potentially it could continue to grow and cause her discomfort. As for your skin tag on the front of your dog I would think your vet would be okay removing it, especially as its significantly long and potentially could get caught on something. Luci (my chi) had to be totally knocked out because of the location of hers but i bet your vet could take care of your pup with a local anesthesia and quick snip.
good luck!