How to manage sebaceous cysts

If you're a dog owner, you will be no stranger to lumps and bumps on your fur baby, which sometimes appear overnight. Finding a lump on your dog can be scary, but if it's the common sebaceous cyst they are generally not harmful. Sebaceous cysts in dogs are small pockets that form in and under the skin. They can vary greatly in size, and appear almost anywhere on the dog's body. The good news is they are benign and usually harmless (unless they get infected)

·        Typically it’s a small, raised round nodule directly under the skin

·        Cysts may also present as elongated structures

·        They can slightly move around when you press on them

·        Inflammation can appear around the area

·        Some cysts can burst or bleed (treat for infection)

·        Cysts may ooze pus or fluid which may have a strong odour (yuck!)

For the most part they are not scary and thankfully, non-cancerous. Like popping a pimple, it can be very tempting to pop the cyst at home… but please don’t, as that can cause inflammation or infection and can be very painful for your dog.

Your first port of call should be your vet.

If the lump is new, your vet may want to monitor and observe the cyst rather than treat it. If the cyst is inflamed and causing lots of discomfort, they may decide to remove it and treat the area with medication.

Your vet will also be able to identify if it is something more sinister like a  cancerous cyst or a malignant adenocarcinoma which will require more serious medical intervention.