Sebaceous Cyst Dog Treatment – How To Diagnose & Prevent

Sebaceous cysts are swelling that forms underneath the skin of a dog. They form when the dog’s skin pore or hair follicle is blocked by scar tissue, dirt, or debris. These cysts are also known as sebaceous gland tumors. 

Sebaceous cysts can happen when the oily substance sebum (which keeps the hair healthy and shiny) clogs the skin pores and hair follicles. The clogged oil glands will form in large pimples when your dog’s body can no longer expel all of this oil from their body through regular ways such as perspiration or urination. Fortunately, most of the time these cysts are harmless. 

Though this type of cyst is harmless, it can cause infection if left untreated. This cyst can be treated at home using prescribed medication from your vet. However, for safe results, it is best to go to your vet.

There are several types of sebaceous cysts:

• Sebaceous gland Hyperplasia – occurs when there is an overgrowth of the sebaceous gland. These usually happen in older dogs. They look like shiny lumps mostly found on your dog’s abdomen and head.
• Sebaceous gland Adenoma/epithelioma – these are usually found on the head or on the eyelids and are covered by crust.
• Sebaceous gland hamartoma – this usually happens after a dog’s birth, and they are 2 inches long.
• Sebaceous gland adenocarcinoma – these are harmful and malignant cysts that can be found on elderly dogs, and they can metastasize to the lymph nodes and lungs.

There are several factors that may cause Sebaceous cysts in dogs. Sebaceous cysts or epidermoid cysts develop when the skin gland or hair follicle is blocked. 

It can be caused by infections, genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalances, injury or trauma, blockage of hair follicles, insect bites, age, or swollen hair follicles.

• Genetic predisposition – Dogs who have a family history of Sebaceous cysts (like some breeds of Schnauzers or Yorkshire terriers) are more likely to develop them.
• Hormonal imbalances – During the puppy’s growth period, dogs may experience hormonal changes that can cause Sebaceous cysts. In older dogs, an increase in hormone activity such as testosterone and progesterone could lead to Sebaceous cyst formation.
• Injury or trauma – A Sebaceous cyst may form if your dog experiences any type of injury or trauma to the oil glands.
• Blockage of hair follicles – Sebaceous cysts in dogs may also be caused by any type of blockage that prevents hair follicles from releasing oil. Injuries, debris, or infections can also clog the pores, which results in creating cysts.
• Insect bites –  Sebaceous cysts can also form if your dog is often bitten by insects such as mosquitoes.
• Age – Sebaceous cysts in dogs may form at any age but are more common among older dogs from specific breeds.
• Swollen hair follicles – Sebaceous cysts in dogs may also be caused by swollen ingrown hair that is scratched repeatedly which causes inflammation and irritation.

The symptoms of sebaceous cyst are very similar to the symptoms of other skin problems, but luckily they are easy to identify. 

If your furry friend has a sebaceous cyst, you will notice a lump on the infected area. It usually looks white or slightly blue in color, and they are usually found on the neck, head, upper legs, and torso of your pet. 

The most common symptom associated with sebaceous cysts in dogs include:

• Red infection
• Raised lump and swelling
• Hair loss around the infected area
• Pain and bleeding
• Fluid discharge
• Multiple lumps

In some cases you might notice an unpleasant smell coming from these types of lesions as well. If left untreated these bumps could become infected which would cause additional issues for your pet. That’s why it’s important to visit your veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms.

Sebaceous cysts in dogs are diagnosed through physical examination by your veterinarian. 

They will feel around the lump on your dog’s skin. If it feels like an abnormal growth they might consider taking a sample of it for testing at their clinic (by using needle or syringe). 

With the sample they can determine whether or not there is actually something wrong with it (like tumor) or it’s just another Sebaceous cyst that can be treated easily.

Sometimes the vet might consider doing a biopsy which is done by taking out an extremely small piece (instead just using a needle) and sending it to their lab for evaluation and definitive diagnosis.

Although Sebaceous cysts are benign, it can be difficult to distinguish them from other forms of cysts, which can be harmful to your pet. So for best treatment it’s best to consult your vet regarding this matter. 

If you notice that your dog has a lump or hump and gets irritable about it, bring your dog to the vet for proper inspection. If it happens to be a Sebaceous cyst, the vet will prescribe some medications, or in some cases, surgical removal. 

Although Sebaceous cyst can cause no harm to your pet’s health, it is important to treat it on time to avoid infection, rapture, and bleeding.

The treatment depends on:

• the status of the cyst, 
• the number of cysts, and 
• your pet’s health condition. 

If the cyst is new and you’ve caught it on time, the vet may prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs as treatment. 

If the cyst is in the advanced stage, your vet may need to do a biopsy or open and drain the cyst. If the cyst has ruptured, the doctor may need to treat it as any other infection or inflammation.

In cases of cyst removal, you need to keep the cyst area clean to avoid infection. The vet will advise you to avoid bathing your dog until they heal. The vet will also require your dog to wear an Elizabeth collar to prevent it from licking, scratching, or biting the area as it heals. 

Monitor if the wound is healing. If you notice that the wound is not healing or is not improving, consult your vet right away. 

Medications To Treat Sebaceous Cysts On Dogs

Antibiotics – In many cases, your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics (pills or ointments) to treat sebaceous cyst on dogs. Antibiotics are used for treating secondary infections which is very common with Sebaceous cysts in dogs because they tend to grow back even after being surgically removed and can cause a lot of pain if left untreated. Usually, soon after the antibiotics treatment is completed, you may notice that the sebaceous cyst on your dog shrinks.

Anti-inflammatory medications – Sometimes the Sebaceous cyst can become inflamed and very painful for your dog, so your vet will prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate the pain associated. These medications can be in the form of pills, or sometimes topical steroid creams.

General Cost To Treat Sebaceous Cysts

Depending on the size of your dog and the stage of the cyst, the cost for treatment can be anywhere from $100 – $500. 

If they are causing pain or discomfort for your pet it might be worth getting them surgically removed even if it is a bit expensive (from $500 to $1000) since most cases will require an additional treatment anyways. 

Keeping a healthy routine for your dog is the best way to prevent Sebaceous cyst. Prevention is always the best treatment. 

Maintain a regular bath routine. A good quality shampoo specially designed for dogs can also keep your dog clean and healthy.

Keeping the fur healthy of our best buddy is our responsibility. Dogs have always been known to be very loyal, loving, and a great companion to us. They rely so much on us, and they deserve a lot of tender loving care from their human best friend in order to prevent these cysts or any kind of health issues.

If Sebaceous cysts are surgically removed, recovery time is about a few weeks. 

Your dog may have some pain for the first couple days after surgery and it usually takes up to two months before they heal completely.

As we mentioned previously, during the recovery period you may need to avoid bathing your dog and consider using an Elizabeth collar.

If you notice any of the symptoms associated with Sebaceous cysts in dogs (that we’ve mentioned previously), it is important that you visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. 

The vet must examine the lump carefully to determine whether it’s an innocent cysts or cancerous tumor.