Different Types of Dog Cysts

Do you own a pet dog and sometimes notice some cyst-like bumps and lumps on their skin? If you have an older dog, this can be common, but younger ones can have these lumps as well.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?

There can be many reasons why your pet dog has cysts, or small lumps or bumps on their skin. Most of the time, these cysts are fat, tumors or infections that come from allergies or injury. They may also be a form of hernia, wherein a tissue or organ suddenly projects onto an abnormal part in the body. Nonetheless, it is still important to know what type of cyst or lump you dog has so that you will be able to know if it may need medical interventions. Most cysts look and feel the same, even the benign or malignant ones.

While these cysts are often non-cancerous, it is still important to know what they are. A dog owner will have peace of mind knowing the type of cyst their dog has, along with why they have it. Below are some different types of dog cysts that your dog might have:

Fat Tumors

This type of tumor is often a product of aging in most dogs. So if you have a middle-aged dog and you find yourself noticing cysts around your dog’s ribs, then this must be it. This is especially true if you have a large and heavy overweight dog as well. The cysts will have a higher chance of appearing.

Sebaceous Cysts

A sebaceous cyst is an oil gland that is blocked. It could look like a pimple. It may start by looking like a small bump on your dog’s skin, but it will most likely grown into approximately one inch in diameter. Where do these cysts come from? They grow when you dog’s skin becomes clogged by dirt, foreign objects or other types of outside elements. You can try to relieve your dog’s cysts by putting in warm compress, but you may want to consult your veterinarian about how to get rid of them so that these cysts won’t end up becoming infected.

Warts

Warts often go away on their own, but some dogs may have to consult their veterinarian in order to remove them. Dogs usually have warts on their face or head, and are more common in puppies. Warts look similar to skin tags or they may look like small lumps. They come from the papillomavirus. If your dog just recently interacted with other dogs, then there is a high chance that they might have gotten their warts from that activity. Visit your vet if you want these warts to be removed right away, and if you want to have a proper diagnosis or biopsy.

Abscesses

An abscess on your dog’s skin is usually caused by the buildup of pus. Your dog may have been bitten by an insect, and the affected area that has become infected. An abscess is a swollen lump that is filled with pus, and will need to be drained by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may clean it with a solution and may even prescribe antibiotics for your dog as well.

Cell Tumors

Your veterinarian should check tumors in order to determine if they are cancerous. Cell tumors or mast cell tumors can look like the others, so it is important to have them diagnosed. It can be a cause for skin cancer in your dog or other types of diseases.