How to Recognize and Treat a Ruptured Cyst on a Dog

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Cysts, or small, fluid-filled pockets along the skin, are pretty commonplace on dogs. [1] It can be really concerning when one ruptures, especially if you aren’t sure what caused the cyst in the first place. Don’t worry! Cysts are very easy to manage and care for with a vet’s help. Here are some fast facts and recommendations to help your dog heal and recover.

Question 1 of 6:

Background

PDF download Download Article
  1. True cysts develop near glands and often form on a pup’s eyelids. Follicular, or epidermoid cysts, form in your dog’s hair follicles. Sebaceous cysts are also found around your pet’s hair follicles, and especially likely to get infected. Other dogs may have false cysts, which usually form after some type of injury. [2]
    • Most cysts have a “secretory lining,” or a special lining that surrounds the entire cyst. False cysts don’t have this type of lining, and they only appear in dead tissue.
    • Dermoid cysts are a rare type of cysts that a few pups develop before they’re born—chances are, this isn’t the kind of cyst your dog is dealing with.
  2. When they get big enough, the cyst may burst due to its own pressure. These cysts are generally harmless, but they can get infected if not cared for properly. [3]
    3. Advertisement
Question 2 of 6:

Causes

PDF download Download Article
  1. Your pup naturally secretes sebum from their oil (sebaceous) glands, which spreads onto their hair and skin. [4] When the hair follicle gets covered with debris and dirt, this new sebum has nowhere to go, and ends up forming a cyst. Over time, these cysts can grow bigger and bigger as they fill up with extra secretions. [5]
  2. Follicular cysts usually form after some type of damage to the hair follicle, or when a pore gets blocked. In a similar fashion, true cysts appear when the sweat gland gets blocked off. False cysts, on the other hand, tend to pop up when your dog has a bad reaction to a shot. [6]
    • Other causes could be abscesses, tumors, or allergies. Talk to a vet to determine the underlying cause.
    3. Advertisement
Question 3 of 6:

Symptoms

PDF download Download Article
  1. These cysts are round and have a bluish tint. You’ll probably find this type of cyst on your dog’s head, trunk, or neck, where you’ll see a gray or yellow, cheese-like substance leaking out. Unfortunately, this cyst tends to smell bad once it gets infected. [7]
  2. They usually form a lump- or sac-like shape, and they typically look blue or dark. These cysts are filled with a yellow fluid. [8]
  3. These cysts appear white or blue. When they rupture, you’ll notice a brown or gray-white discharge that looks similar to cottage cheese. [9]
    • You’ll probably find these cysts on your dog’s neck, torso, upper legs, or head.
  4. These cysts are dark in color and are actually filled with blood. [10]
    EXPERT TIP

    Ray Spragley, DVM

    Veterinarian
    Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University.
    Ray Spragley, DVM
    Veterinarian

    Report new skin masses to a veterinarian. Note any abnormal or rapidly growing skin masses during wellness exams with your vet. Though most are benign lipomas or cysts, the vet may aspirate cells or biopsy tissue to see if cancer is present and evaluate if removal or further treatment is needed.

    5. Advertisement
Question 4 of 6:

Treatment

PDF download Download Article
  1. Sometimes, a cyst can open, or “ulcerate,” without actually bursting. If this happens, clean out the cyst and carefully wrap it up with a clean bandage. Don’t try to pop or remove the cyst yourself, though. [11]
    • You can clean the area with warm tap water or a warm saline mixture made with 1 tsp (5.9 g) of salt and 2  c (470 mL) of distilled water. Don’t use any shampoo, soap, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other substance to clean the area, unless your vet specifically suggests it. [12]
  2. There, veterinary professionals may remove the cyst with a laser. Vets won’t usually squeeze or drain a ruptured cyst since that won’t get rid of the blockage completely and could cause the cyst to reform. [13]
    • After the surgery, keep your pet in a quiet, closed-off area. Follow your vet’s after-care instructions; you may need to give your pup some special medication, or change their bandages regularly.
  3. During surgery, a vet will physically remove the cysts and stitch your dog’s toes together while the area heals. With a CO₂ laser, your vet will vaporize the cysts without hurting the rest of the paw. For a more long-term treatment plan, vets might treat the cysts with steroids and antibiotics. [14]
    • Antibiotic regimens can last for at least 6 weeks.
    4. Advertisement
Question 5 of 6:

Prognosis

PDF download Download Article
  1. After a vet-recommended treatment, your dog should be able to fully recover. [15] Always follow your vet’s recommended aftercare, so your dog doesn’t come down with an infection.
Question 6 of 6:

Additional Info

PDF download Download Article
  1. Boxers, Shih Tzus, Basset Hounds, and Schnauzers are genetically more likely to develop follicular cysts. Hairless breeds, like the Chinese Crested Dog and Mexican Hairless Dog, may also develop follicular cysts since their hair follicles are so inactive. [16]
    • Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Kerry Blue Terriers are more genetically likely to get dermoid cysts.
    • Labradors, Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, and Schnauzers are also prone to cysts.
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      • Don’t try to pop, squeeze, or drain a cyst on your own. Even if you’re really careful, the cyst could get infected.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Treat Pododermatitis (Red Paws) in Your Dog
      How to
      Express a Dog's Anal Gland
      Powerful Prayers & Spiritual Words to Send Your Love to Your Sick Dog
      How to
      Get Rid of a Botfly in a Dog
      Treating a Dog’s Fever at Home: The Best Remedies
      How to
      Tell if Your Dog Is in Pain
      How to
      Remove a Tick from a Dog Without Tweezers
      Finding the Quick on Black Dog Nails: Techniques & Trimming Tips
      How to
      Calm a Sexually Excited Dog
      How to
      Spot Health Problems in Newborn Puppies
      How to
      Help Your Dog Grieve When Your Other Dog Dies
      What to Do If Your Dog Rips, Breaks, or Rips a Nail
      How to
      Take a Dog's Temperature Without Using a Thermometer
      How to
      Clean a Dog's Wound
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/types-of-cysts-on-dogs/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/types-of-cysts-on-dogs/
      3. ↑ https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/tumors-of-the-skin-in-dogs#v3207649
      4. ↑ https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/structure-of-the-skin-in-dogs
      5. ↑ https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/tumors-of-the-skin-in-dogs#v3207649
      6. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/types-of-cysts-on-dogs/
      7. ↑ https://www.msdvetmanual.com/reproductive-system/reproductive-diseases-of-the-female-small-animal/follicular-cysts-in-small-animals
      8. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cysts
      9. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cysts
      1. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cysts
      2. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cysts
      3. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/care-of-open-wounds-in-dogs
      4. ↑ https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/tumors-of-the-skin-in-dogs
      5. ↑ https://vetmed.illinois.edu/pet_column/interdigital-cysts-removed-by-laser/
      6. ↑ https://vetmed.illinois.edu/pet_column/interdigital-cysts-removed-by-laser/
      7. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/types-of-cysts-on-dogs/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 180,346 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement