My six-year-old dog has bumps which look like moles. What are they?
Question
Someone once told me they were age bumps. If they are not harmful, how can I get rid of them.
Answer
The most common raised bumps in middle-aged to older dogs seem to papillomas, which are caused by a virus. They grow in multiple places on the body as the dog ages and can be a nuisance as they enlarge and stick out, getting caught in combs, clippers, etc.
With any mass, it is most important that you get an accurate diagnosis before any treatment is started, as there are some more harmful tumors that can mimic others. If the masses on your pet are papillomas, they are best removed surgically, as they have a deep stalk that will grow back again if not removed properly.
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