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Sebaceous Cysts in Cats or Dogs

Posted October 24, 2011 in Pet Health
epidermoid cysts, epidermal inclusion cysts, epidermal cysts, wens

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Overview
A sebaceous cyst can develop when a hair follicle or skin pore gets blocked by dirt, debris, or scar tissue, or as the result of an infection. Our pets, like us, have microscopic oil glands that produce sebum. These glands are called sebaceous glands. Sebum is the oil that keeps hair nice and shiny, but sometimes this oil can become thick and clog skin pores and hair follicles, as well.

Sebaceous cysts are basically very large pimples that are usually harmless to your pet. If left alone, they could resolve without treatment, but many tend to recur. All dogs and cats can get sebaceous cysts, whether purebred or not. The cysts look like enclosed small bumps that stay whitish in color and are raised from the skin. When touched, they feel like small circular or oval lumps under the skin.

Symptoms
If your pet has a sebaceous cyst, you will notice a raised bump. It may seem white or slightly blue in color. If it bursts, it will ooze a grayish white, brownish, or cottage-cheese-like discharge. These cysts usually develop on the head, neck, torso, or upper legs.

Diagnosis/Treatment
While sebaceous cysts are benign, they may be difficult to distinguish from other lumps and bumps that could be cancerous. In situations where your veterinarian may be concerned about the cyst, he or she may recommend a fine-needle aspiration of the cyst to identify its contents, or even surgical removal and further diagnostics, such as biopsy. Sometimes, conservative therapy with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or other medications may be recommended. Other indications for cyst removal include infection, inflammation, or rupture of contents, which can be associated with a significant amount of bleeding and pus-like discharge.

Prevention
Caring for your pet’s skin and coat as recommended by your veterinarian can help reduce the chance of sebaceous cysts forming. Make sure to discuss the right skin/coat care for your pet; overbathing can be just as problematic as not bathing enough, and all breeds of dogs and cats differ!

If you have any questions concerning cysts and overall skin care of your beloved pet, please contact your veterinarian—the key resource for information about the health and well-being of your best friend.

Comments 11
Submitted by andmar292 on
The cyst my dog is on her rear legjust above the joint on the outside and has been tested for what it is, the says a cyst and removal is not necessary, but she has licked it to a point where it is bleeding and oozing but will not release the contents yet, is there something we can apply to bring it to a head or dry it up?
Matt from the Pet Health Network's picture
Submitted by Matt from the P... on

Hi andmar292,

We recommend you have the cyst/sore examined by your veterinarian. Your best friend may need topical and oral medication to keep the cyst from becoming infected and to relieve the itch allowing it to heal. Many types of cysts do not contain matter that can be expressed so we recommend your veterinarian examines it before you continue to try to express its contents, by doing so you may be unintentionally aggravating it more.  It is a very common occurrence for dogs to lick cysts, even if they are not deemed harmful. The right treatment will help it heel or your veterinarian may recommend it’s removal if she continues to aggravate it. 

- The Pet Health Network Team

Submitted by wietskeholland on
My seven year old Small Munsterlander has a sebacious cyst.She has a long,fine coat,and I comb and brush her daily. Should I perhaps bathe her more often,or could the cyst have been prevented had I done so?
David at Pet Health Network's picture
Submitted by David at Pet He... on

It sounds as if you take excellent care of your dog and she is very lucky!  Sebaceous cysts are very common in dogs.   Similar to a pimple on a person, they are commonly the result of a clogged hair follicle or skin pore.  Most likely, bathing her more or even brushing her more wouldn't prevent a sebaceous cyst from forming, they are a very common occurrence in dogs regardless of grooming habits.   Bathing too much can be just as harmful to your dog's skin and coat as not enough.  If you are really bothered by the cyst you can discuss options for treatment with your veterinarian or if you are not sure it is a sebaceous cyst you should confirm the diagnosis as well.  Additionally if the cyst looks red, is sore to the touch or starts to change in appearance a conversation with your vet is your best bet.   We would love to see a picture of your baby...she sounds beautiful!   The PHN team.

Submitted by wietskeholland on
Thanks so much for your feedback!I did take Sophie to the vet,and she confirmed it is a cebaceous cyst.I am thinking of going back though,as it does seem to get bigger.It's not red and it doesn't seem to bother her at all,but still...It does worry me. I will try to post a picture of Sophie (and my other baby,Sarah :) )  on here,but I'm not sure how to do that!I'll check with my husband,he'll probably know! Thanks again! Wietske
Submitted by wietskeholland on
Hubby didn't know either... :( Could you perhaps explain how it works...? Thanks! Wietske.
Submitted by wietskeholland on
Anyone........????Sophie and Sarah
Matt from the Pet Health Network's picture
Submitted by Matt from the P... on

Hi there -- we'd definitely love to see some pictures! Unfortunately, we don't have a way for you to upload pictures on our website. I'd suggest uploading them onto our Facebook page, either as a private message or a wall post. We'll definitely see them and get back to you.

You can visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pethealthnetwork.

- The Pet Health Network Team

Submitted by leyvaj on
My 6 year old Wheaten Terrier, Nani, has her first benign sebaceous cyst that has ruptured and we took her to the vet, which confirmed the diagnosis. They gave her a oral medication to help with pain, and suggested that it be surgically removed. I've been doing some research and am getting some results that say that surgical removal should only be done if it is recurring, or prone to infection; that most vets recommend it because they charge a pretty penny and it puts owners at ease to get rid of it. Any thoughts on what's best? Please let me know, we're all worried about our girl and want what's best for her! Thank you! -Jackie
David at Pet Health Network's picture
Submitted by David at Pet He... on

Hi Jackie,

Thanks for the question. We always recommend turning to your veterinarian for advice about the care of your pets, since they are the only ones who knew the ins and outs of your pet's health. And just like with people, if you have concerns about a diagnosis or recommendation, the best, and really the only certain way, is to get a second opinion from another doctor.

We can't stress enough that no one can make a recommendation or diagnosis with certainty unless #1 they are a verterinarian and #2 they have actually seen your pet.

Good luck with you little Wheaten best friend!

-David at the Pet Health Network

Submitted by chelsarah711 on
Hello, My 5 year old pug began with a lump in his facial skin fold between his nose and left eye. It doesn't seem to bother him at all. For about 1 week we watched it very closely and kept it clean with medicated wipes.  It became worse.  I brought him to the vet who believed it might be cyst. The cyst was firm and they were unable to drain (however they never did try to aspirate with a needle). He was placed on Keflex twice a day for a 2 week course.  One week into his antibiotic the lump became increased in size and redness. I brought him to the vet again who suggested and scheduled surgery for 6/24 for removal and biopsy. We continued with the 2 week antibiotic course with still no improvement and he has been now off of it for about 5 days. Just today I noticed that the lump seems to be less firm (almost like there might be something in it if drained) It is still the same size (about dime sized)....but it seems to also be starting to grow hair. Im now starting to wonder if this could be still a cyst even though the antibiotic did not seem to help at all. Wondering if maybe we can avoid him having surgery and the possible complications due to that.

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