Common Types of Cysts in Dogs | How to Treat Them
Picture this: you’re lovingly running your fingers through your pet’s fur when you suddenly feel a lump on or under their skin. The discovery can easily send you into panic mode, making you dive into research on the formation of lumps and different types of cysts in dogs. If that discovery and frantic need for answers has landed you here, first of all, I want you to take a deep breath and try to relax.
It is not uncommon for a mass to develop on or under a dog’s skin; more often than not, these aren’t malignant. However, that’s not to say that you should ignore these. Of course, a trip to the veterinarian is warranted to ascertain what the mass is and whether your dog will need treatment (and of what kind) to address it.
Until you can schedule a visit, understanding what a mass could be can help put your mind at ease. Typically, these lump-like growths in dogs are cysts. Though usually benign, these cysts can continue to grow and lead to health complications if unaddressed. So, as a pet parent, it’s worth understating the various types of cysts in dogs, their impact on your furry baby’s health as well as the difference between a cancerous lump and a cyst on a dog.
What are Cysts in Dogs?
Cysts are hollow spaces inside tissues, formed around a membrane, that contain solidified, semi-solid, or fluid material. These sacs can develop in any part of the body but are most commonly located on or right below the skin. So, if while petting your dog, you realize, “My dog has bumps under her fur”, it could be a cyst you’re dealing with.
Cysts, typically, contain bodily secretions such as sebum or sweat but may also sometimes be made up of breakdown products such as keratin or dead cells. While there are different types of cysts in dogs, these can be broadly categorized into:
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| True Cysts | False cysts |
| True cysts are encapsulated structures that contain fluid or semi-fluid material. | False cysts, also known as pseudocysts, are not true cysts in the sense of having an epithelial lining |
| In dogs, true cysts are often associated with the sebaceous glands or hair follicles | Instead, they are collections of fluid that are not enclosed by a distinct capsule |
| These cysts may be filled with a liquid substance, such as sebum, the oily secretion produced by sebaceous glands. | False cysts can result from various causes, including trauma, inflammation, or the accumulation of bodily fluids in a confined space without a true cyst wall |
| They are typically non-painful, raised nodules that may vary in size and are often found on the skin. | Hematomas (collections of blood), seromas (collections of serum or clear fluid), and certain types of abscesses are common examples of false cysts |
The most defining characteristic of a true cyst is that it is a lump under dog’s skin that moves. In fact, if you’re wondering about the difference between a cancerous lump and a cyst on a dog, this basic check can help alleviate some of your worries. If it is a lump under dog’s skin that moves, it is likely a benign cyst and not a cancerous mass or a false cyst. However, I must reiterate, this is not an alternative to an actual medical diagnosis. Only a vet can ascertain what an unusual growth on your dog actually is.
Causes behind cysts in dogs
The “my dog has bumps under her fur” realization is often followed by a natural question, what brought this on? While it is not always possible to determine the cause behind the development of cysts in dogs, genetics certainly play a role. Certain breeds are known to have a genetic predisposition to different types of cysts. For instance, certain terrier breeds are at a heightened risk for canine follicular cysts.
Likewise, different types of cysts in dogs are seen in breeds like Basset Hounds, Golden Retrievers, English Springer Spaniels, Boxers, and Schnauzers more commonly than other dogs. In addition to genetics, other contributing factors are,
- Injuries
- Adverse reaction to injections
- Infection
- Pressure points
- Reaction to certain medication
- Certain underlying diseases
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Most Common Types of Cysts in Dogs
Let’s take a closer look at the most common types of cysts in dogs so that you have some idea of what you’re dealing with. If you’ve found a lump under dog’s skin that moves, it could be one of the following:
1. Canine follicular cyst
Canine follicular cysts, also known as epidermoid cysts or dermal cysts in dogs, are common benign growths that can develop in the skin. These cysts originate from hair follicles and are typically filled with a cheesy, keratinous material. While they are generally harmless, they can cause discomfort for the dog if they become infected or inflamed.
Canine follicular cysts often present as small, raised nodules on the skin, ranging in size from a pea to a marble. They are more commonly found in older dogs but can occur at any age.
2. Sebaceous cysts
Sebaceous cysts in dogs are common skin growths that originate from the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing the oily substance known as sebum. These cysts are often benign and usually present as raised, firm nodules beneath the skin. If you’re wondering, “My dog has bumps under her fur, what could they be?”, chances are you’re dealing with Sebaceous cysts that develop when the ducts of the sebaceous glands become blocked, leading to the accumulation of sebum beneath the skin.
These cysts are typically encapsulated and filled with a thick, cheesy, or semi-liquid material composed of sebum, dead skin cells, and sometimes hair. Sebaceous cysts are often asymptomatic and may not cause pain or discomfort to the dog. These are different from sebaceous adenomas in dogs, which are benign tumors stemming from the sebaceous glands
3. Dermoid cyst
Dermoid cysts in dogs are rare, congenital (present at birth) anomalies that occur as a result of developmental issues during embryonic growth. Unlike more common sebaceous or dermal cysts in dogs, dermoid cysts are thought to originate from embryonic tissue that becomes trapped during development.
These cysts are often located on the body’s midline and can occur in various regions, such as the head, neck, or spinal area. Dermoid cysts are characterized by their composition, containing a variety of tissues such as skin, hair, and sometimes teeth, as they arise from embryonic cells that have the potential to develop into multiple tissue types.
While dermoid cysts are generally benign, in some cases, they may lead to complications if they grow and interfere with surrounding structures. Dermoid cysts are a unique subset of cystic growths in dogs, and a veterinarian can recommend the most suitable course of action based on the specific circumstances of the individual case.
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4. Pilar Cysts in dogs
Pilar cysts in dogs, also known as trichilemmal cysts or wen, are skin growths that originate from the outer root sheath of the hair follicle. These cysts are generally benign and are characterized by their slow-growing, round, or oval-shaped nodules beneath the skin.
Pilar cysts arise from the hair follicles and are filled with a thick, white, or yellow material known as keratin.
Keratin is a protein that makes up hair and nails. Pilar cysts present as well-defined, raised lumps on or just beneath the skin’s surface. They are typically smooth and firm and feel like a lump under dog’s skin that moves. They tend to occur in areas where hair follicles are present and are commonly found on the head, neck, or back of dogs.
5. Urachal Cysts in dogs
Urachal cysts in dogs are uncommon cystic structures that can develop in the area of the urachus, a remnant of a fetal structure that connects the bladder to the umbilicus during gestation. The urachus usually closes shortly after birth, but in some cases, remnants may persist and give rise to cysts.
These cysts are fluid-filled sacs that may contain remnants of the urachal tissue. Urachal cysts are typically found in the lower abdominal area, near the bladder and umbilicus.
Urachal cysts in dogs may be asymptomatic and go unnoticed. However, they can cause issues if they become infected or enlarged. Symptoms may include abdominal discomfort, difficulty urinating, or signs of urinary tract infection.
Veterinary diagnosis of urachal cysts often involves imaging studies such as ultrasound or radiography to visualize the cystic structures. Treatment of urachal cysts in dogs may involve surgical intervention to remove the cyst and any associated remnants of the urachus.
If the cyst is infected, antibiotics may be prescribed to address the infection. The prognosis for dogs with urachal cysts is generally favorable, especially with prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention.
6. Perianal gland cysts
Perianal gland cysts in dogs are fluid-filled sacs that develop in the perianal region, which is located around the anal opening. These cysts are associated with the perianal glands, which are small, modified sebaceous glands responsible for secreting a scent-marking substance. Perianal gland cysts can occur more frequently in male dogs and develop when the ducts of the perianal glands become blocked or infected, leading to the accumulation of fluid and the formation of cysts. The cysts may contain a thick, foul-smelling material.
Dogs with perianal gland cysts may exhibit symptoms such as scooting (dragging their rear end on the ground), licking or biting at the anal area, and signs of discomfort or pain during defecation. The cysts may become infected, causing redness, swelling, and tenderness in the perianal region.
Veterinary diagnosis involves a physical examination of the perianal region. Aspiration of the cyst’s contents may be performed to confirm the nature of the fluid and rule out other potential issues. Treatment may include expressing the cyst contents, cleaning the affected area, and sometimes, administering antibiotics if there is an infection. In recurrent cases or when the cysts are causing persistent issues, surgical removal may be recommended.
Note: In addition to this, there can be other types of cysts in dogs such as pancreatic or ovarian. However, since those develop internally and require a whole different approach for detection and treatment, I will talk more about them in separate posts.
How to Recognize Cysts in Dogs
Cysts in dogs can look and feel different depending on their type and place of origin. However, there are a few markers that can help you identify that an uneven growth on or under your pet’s skin could be a cyst. Here include:
- Smooth, raised bumps on or under the skin
- They grow in size, slowly but surely
- They may ooze discharge or change the color of the affected area of the skin
- They can be white, blue, or a dark color
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Possible Course of Treatment for Cysts in Dogs
While nearly all types of cysts in dogs are benign and may remain asymptomatic, a consultation with the vet is recommended once you discover them. More often than not, these cysts do not require treatment but your vet may ask you to monitor them closely. These can cause your dog discomfort if they become infected or inflamed. In that case, course of treatment may include:
- Drainage of the cyst
- Cleaning the affected area
- Antibiotic course
- In some instances, surgical removal
In case of growths like Urachal and Perianal gland cysts, veterinary intervention becomes essential, as already mentioned. The sooner your pet gets the right medical attention, the better their prognosis.
I hope these insights on the different types of cysts in dogs, their impact on your dog’s health, and possible treatment options help you deal with this issue effectively should you ever have to.
