Cyst

A cyst is an encapsulated, fluid-filled structure in the tissue that can occur in dogs at various body sites.

You usually notice a cyst as a soft lump under your dog’s skin. Most cysts are benign, but their location and size determine whether they become a problem.

What Types of Cysts Are There in Dogs?

Sebaceous cysts arise from blocked skin glands and feel soft. You often find them on the back or flanks, as small, movable lumps under the skin.

Follicular cysts form at blocked hair follicles. They are filled with gel-like fluid and can become significantly larger than sebaceous cysts. Dogs with dense coats are particularly prone to developing this type.

Ganglion cysts occur at joints and contain clear, viscous fluid. A dog with a ganglion cyst on the hock may sometimes show slight limping, but only with larger cysts.

Ovarian cysts develop on the ovaries of unspayed female dogs. You do not notice them directly, but they can disrupt the cycle or lead to persistent oestrus.

How do I recognise a cyst in my dog?

A cyst feels like a soft ball under the skin that can be moved. Unlike a tumour, it is usually not firmly attached to the underlying tissue.

Inflamed cysts become red, warm and painful. Your dog will then flinch when you touch the area. Sometimes yellowish discharge appears, a sign of bacterial infection.

Cysts on the paws impair walking. You will then see cautious movement or limping, especially after lying down for a long time.

How dangerous are cysts for dogs?

Most skin cysts are harmless and cause no discomfort. They only become problematic when inflamed or if they cause mechanical interference.

A sebaceous cyst in the collar area can burst due to constant friction and become infected. Cysts between the toes hinder normal walking.

Ovarian cysts can lead to hormonal disorders. A female dog may then remain in oestrus permanently or show aggressive behaviour due to the disrupted hormone balance.

What does the vet do for a cyst?

The vet palpates the cyst and checks its mobility. A fine-needle aspiration shows whether the fluid contains bacteria or abnormal cells.

For skin cysts, observation is often sufficient. Small, painless cysts are only monitored; treatment is only carried out if problems arise.

Large or inflamed cysts are surgically removed. The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia and takes 15-30 minutes. Complete removal prevents recurrence.

Infected cysts require antibiotics. Treatment lasts 7-14 days, depending on the severity of the infection.

Can cysts recur in dogs?

After complete surgical removal, cysts do not reappear at the same site. However, dogs with a genetic predisposition often develop new cysts in other areas.

Cocker Spaniels and Poodles are prone to recurring sebaceous cysts. For these breeds, you should regularly check the skin for new lumps.

Incompletely removed cysts can regrow. Therefore, the vet always removes the entire cyst capsule, not just the contents.