Dog Cysts: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Discovering an unusual bump or lump on your dog can be worrying. As a pet parent, you want to ensure any growth is properly identified and treated if necessary. While many lumps turn out to be harmless cysts, understanding what they are, what causes them, and when they need treatment is crucial for your dog's health and peace of mind.

Keep reading to learn about dog cysts, how to identify them, and what to do if you find one on your pet.

• What are Cysts on Dogs?
• Types of Dog Cysts
• What Causes Cysts on Dogs?
• How to Diagnose & Treat Cysts on Dogs
• FAQs
• Final Notes

What are Cysts on Dogs?

A dog cyst is one of the most common types of cutaneous (skin) masses found in dogs.¹ These are epithelial-lined, non-neoplastic structures, which simply means they're small sacs lined with normal skin cells (not cancerous growths).

Cysts develop when normal cells form a pocket and begin secreting substances that accumulate within the structure. While finding a cyst on your dog might be alarming, they're typically benign and may not require immediate treatment.¹

Common symptoms that may accompany cysts include:

• A raised, well-defined bump under the skin
• A fluid-filled lump that feels soft to the touch
• Redness or irritation around the affected area

While you can look at dog cyst pictures online, keep in mind that only a vet can diagnose this condition.

If cysts rupture, they can trigger a severe inflammatory response. The released fluid can cause the surrounding tissue to become inflamed, leading to additional symptoms.¹

It’s important to note that there are different types of dog cysts, some of which you won't be able to see from the outside. For example, prostatic cysts can develop internally and may only become apparent when they grow large enough to cause pressure on surrounding organs.² That's why it's important to have any unusual changes in your dog's health evaluated by a veterinarian, whether you can see physical signs or not.

Types of Dog Cysts

Several types of cysts can affect pets, with sebaceous cysts on dogs being among the most common. Understanding each type can help you better recognize and address them if they occur in your pet.

While some cysts are easy to spot on your dog's skin, others develop inside the body and can only be found through veterinary examination and imaging. Each type of cyst needs its own specific approach to treatment, which is why it's essential to have a veterinarian examine any unusual lumps or changes in your pet.

Here are the primary types you might encounter:

Sebaceous cysts

A dog sebaceous cyst is one of the most frequently diagnosed cysts in veterinary medicine. These cysts develop when sebaceous glands (oil-producing glands in the skin) become blocked.¹

Sebaceous cysts on dogs appear as round, defined lumps under the skin and are filled with a thick, oily substance. These cysts have a distinctive appearance that sets them apart from other types of cysts.³

True cysts

True cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can form anywhere in the body. They come in many different sizes and can contain various types of fluid depending on where they form.³

Some dogs are born with these cysts, while others develop them later in life. They can appear in any part of the body, from the skin to internal organs, and the treatment approach depends on where the cyst is located and how big it is.

Prostatic cysts

Prostatic cysts only occur in male dogs. They can form either inside or next to the prostate gland. The ones that form next to the prostate develop from tissue that remains from early development before birth. Pet owners often don't notice these cysts until they grow large enough to pressure surrounding organs. Dogs might show signs like a swollen belly or problems with urination or bowel movements. Veterinarians must carefully examine these cysts to ensure they're not dealing with other issues like bladder problems or infections.²

Unlike some other types of cysts, prostatic cysts usually won't go away with medication alone. Surgery is typically the best treatment option, with complete removal being the preferred approach. In cases where the entire cyst can't be removed, surgeons might use a technique that helps drain the cyst internally. They try to avoid creating an external drainage opening because this can be difficult to manage long term.²

Follicular cysts

Follicular cysts, commonly seen in older dogs, form when a hair follicle becomes clogged and swells. They have raised bumps in the skin that feel soft and fluid-filled when touched.

These dog cysts can appear anywhere on their body where there are hair follicles. If these cysts break open, the material inside can spill into the surrounding skin, causing significant irritation and inflammation.⁴

What Causes Cysts on Dogs?

Understanding what causes cysts can help you better prevent and manage them. Common causes include:³

• Blocked oil glands or hair follicles: This often happens when dead skin cells, dirt, or debris build up and clog openings in the skin. Just like a clogged drain, when these glands or follicles get blocked, the natural oils and fluids that should flow out become trapped under the skin, forming a cyst.
• Inflammatory responses: When your dog's body detects irritation or infection, it causes inflammation to the area to fight the problem. Sometimes, this response can lead to fluid buildup and the formation of a protective sac around the affected area. This natural healing process can inadvertently result in cyst formation.
• Breed disposition: Certain dog breeds, like the Chinese Shar-Peis and breeds with wrinkled skin, are more prone to developing certain types of cysts. This genetic predisposition means some dogs are simply more likely to develop cysts throughout their lives.
• Trauma to the skin: When your dog's skin experiences injury, the healing process can sometimes result in cyst development. The body's attempt to heal the injured area can lead to the formation of fluid-filled sacs or cysts.

It's worth noting that while some cysts have clear causes, others may develop without an obvious trigger. Regular monitoring of any unusual lumps and professional veterinary evaluation can help treat your dog's skin issues.

How to Diagnose & Treat Cysts on Dogs

While pet parents can recognize the symptoms of cysts on dogs, diagnosing and treating these lumps and bumps is something that can only be done by a veterinarian. Veterinarians can use several methods to properly diagnose cysts:³

• Fine needle aspiration: The most common diagnostic tool is when your veterinarian uses a thin needle to collect cells from the mass — called a fine needle aspiration. They may also choose to do a biopsy. These simple procedures help determine the type of cyst and rule out more serious conditions. Your vet can often perform these tests during a regular office visit.
• Cytology examination: After collecting the sample, your vet examines the cells under a microscope. This will reveal details about the cyst's nature and help determine the best treatment approach. The examination can identify specific cell types and other materials that indicate what type of cyst it is.
• Physical examination: Your vet will carefully examine the cyst's size, location, and characteristics. They'll check if it's painful and whether it's affecting your dog's daily activities and mobility.

Treatment options for dog cysts vary depending on the type of cyst and its location:³

• Monitoring: Many cysts are harmless and only require regular monitoring for changes in size, appearance, or symptoms. Your vet will show you what changes to watch for.
• Surgical removal: Cysts may need removal if they're large, causing discomfort, or showing signs of infection. Prostatic cysts almost always require surgical intervention.²
• Treatment of underlying causes: Your vet might prescribe appropriate medications or treatments if the cyst is related to an underlying skin condition or infection. For instance, they might prescribe mupirocin ointment to treat skin infections.

FAQs

Why is my dog suddenly getting cysts?

Sudden cyst development can happen for several reasons. Skin infections, blocked oil glands, and physical irritation are common triggers for cyst formation. Environmental factors like excessive moisture or friction from collars and harnesses can also contribute to their development. If your dog is developing multiple cysts, it's important to have them checked by a vet to rule out any potentially serious health issues.

What happens if a cyst is left untreated?

While many cysts remain harmless, leaving them untreated can lead to complications. The cyst might grow larger, become infected, or rupture, causing inflammation and discomfort. Untreated cysts can also mask more serious conditions that require immediate attention. Regular monitoring by your vet ensures any changes are caught early.

What does a cancerous cyst look like?

While true cysts are typically benign, knowing the warning signs that might indicate cancer is important. A vet should immediately evaluate any lump that's painful or growing quickly. Only proper veterinary examination and testing can definitively determine if a growth is cancerous.⁵

At what point does a cyst need to be removed surgically?

Your vet might recommend surgical removal if the cyst:

• Is growing rapidly or changing in appearance
• Causes pain or discomfort
• Interferes with movement or daily activities
• Shows signs of infection
• Has been repeatedly drained but keeps returning
• Needs to be tested to rule out other conditions

Final Notes

Dog cysts are common skin conditions that can range from harmless to potentially serious. While many cysts are benign and may only require monitoring, others need prompt medical attention. The best way to manage cysts is through regular veterinary check-ups and early intervention when needed.

To ensure your dog gets the best care, consider exploring the benefits of telemedicine for pets. With a Dutch membership, you can easily connect with licensed veterinarians who can evaluate your pet's skin conditions and recommend appropriate treatments. Whether you're dealing with cysts or other health concerns like giardia, our online pet pharmacy and expert vets are here to help maintain your pet's health and well-being.