What Does a Cyst Look Like on a Dog?
As pressure builds up inside a dog’s cyst, sometimes a weak spot develops. Then, if the cyst is knocked, it may burst with the fluid leaking out through that weak point.
The contents of the cyst vary widely, depending on the type. We might find anything from a clear, straw-colored liquid inside to an ash-colored, cheese-like material.
Remember Ralph? His cyst had cheese-like contents … but it had developed a secondary infection.
If your vet confirms the lump is a cyst, then there’s no urgency to remove it.
Indications for removal include:
Surgical removal of skin cysts in dogs is a relatively simple procedure, depending on location. Your pet’s surgery can often be done under sedation and local anesthetic when access to the cyst is easy.
What is a Benign Cyst?
A cyst is a general term used to describe a fluid-filled lump under the skin. Cysts sometimes look like pimples and appear as a raised bump on the skin.
Typically, they are filled with liquid or solidified materials made up of sebum. Sebum is the oily substance normally secreted by the sebaceous glands.
Sebum plays a role in keeping skin healthy by:
A benign cyst means that it isn’t cancerous. However, the only way for a veterinarian to make an accurate diagnosis is through a fine needle aspiration.
The process involves inserting a hollow needle into the mass for sampling of cells. The tissue is stained and examined under a microscope.
Hibiclens Surgical Scrub
This scrub can either be applied to warm towel and used as a compress, or it can be diluted and used to gently wash the area.
Signs of infection could include additional swelling around the cyst, redness, pain, pus, and a foul smell from bacteria/yeast.
The idea is to keep the liquid draining until it is all gone. Keeping the area moist will prevent a scab from forming.
When a scab forms, the remaining fluid is trapped inside. This can cause a bacterial infection or can cause the cyst to reoccur.
Be sure to swab the wound with a bacterial cream or wipe several times a day.
The most difficult part of this is keeping your dog’s mouth away from the wound. The best suggestion is – of course – the Elizabethan collar.
These days, there are a lot of variations that might prove more comfortable for your dog.
The Best Products for Treating a Draining Cyst Include:Alfie Pet Soft Recovery Collar