dog has a red bump on one foot

Question
My dog has a bump on one of his paws, it looks like he either bumped it or maybe he got bit by something, it grew about a little bigger than an inch, he is about 60 pounds pretty tough, American pit, recently he bumped it against a chair and it started to bleed, only blood no puss. any recommendations?

Answer
There are many possibilities for the bump - trauma from hitting something, an abscess, a tumor, a cyst - to name a few.

You have two options:
1. Go to you local veterinarian to get an exam, or biopsy, or x-ray or to have it tapped and a slide made of the contents. Then they will suggest a treatment.

2. Try the holistic approach by first soaking the foot in 1 cup of warm water with 4 drops of Rescue Remedy and 4 drops of Calendula solution (both from the health food store). Do this twice a day for 3 days as long as he still is active and eating. If this does not help, you could call the Veterinary Advice Line (www.vetadviceline.com) to speak with a holistic veterinarian and if you wish, be referred to a local holistic veterinarian.

Dr. Christina Chambreau