My 16 year old dog has had some small growths/warts for a few years now,but noticed today that there's a couple of them with scabs and dried blood on them.His whole health in general is starting to fail,with weight loss,and he's a bit tense,especially round his chest when I feel around for more lumps and bumps,his backend is getting weaker too,but he is ancient and we expect it.Could these warts be some kind of cancer,telling us that there's worse inside?Will make an appointment with my vet asapThanks.

Could be, I know my larger breed can get warts in old age.  I have to admit on my girl who was 15 she got a couple near the end but I didn't go to the vets with it at that age I'd rather just leave well alone myself unless medical attention is really needed.

We have said for the last 2 years,that if he did have anything major,we wouldn't treat him now,just let him live until he lets us know life is too much,but although he doesn't eat all of his meals,he still goes for at least an hours run daily,and wags his tail.

I have noticed my older boy has spots that look like they are black/red as in like dried blood ( but they aren't blood- if this makes sense) I had him at the vets the other day and pointed them out and she said "old age thing" They don't seem to bother him but I noticed them when I was giving him a groom ( much against his will) In my head I have decided that if things crop up when they are old and it is invasive treatment I would probably not intervene, however when that time comes I will re evaluate.

I wouldn't worry too much.  My dogs tend to get warts as they get older and they present no problem. 

Get them checked if they worry you, and do be careful with ones they can reach/scratch/knock off etc as infections are a risk.  Once you've had the ok from the vet though you'll just need to keep the vulnerable ones clean and look them over from time to time to check for changes.

I use Ultrasalve for the dogs in the same way as I use Savlon for the people in my household.  It's great stuff, and works well on sores and dry cracked patches.  It's currently being used on my youngest dogs testicles - I suspect he's been using them as brakes and they are a bit scuffed and sore!!  Poor lad :)

I use Cornecrescine , used for horses hoofs , skin barbed wire scratches etc .Smells like vosene, and regrows hair .Can buy it at a horse shop .Have had a so called groomer open two up, making them bleed, on my  older dog , couple years ago , using a razor thinner even though I warned her he had them  , all dry now and I just check them when I groom .

People have the same thing happen, old age has advantages but also disadvantages.