When my dog was a small pup she had a growth on her right front leg. It was red, callous (sp?) like and irritated her. The vet said it was a growth and it needed to be removed, so she got that done when she was spayed (and her back dewclaws removed to, she was a sorry looking little puppy, especialy with the E. collar. ) Anyway, I don't know if older dogs can get them, it might not be that at all, but that is the closest thing I know of.