Sebaceous Cysts In Dogs And Cats
Sebaceous cysts are interesting structures.
All pores and hair follicles in the skin are surrounded by microscopic oil glands. These glands produce the oil that makes our pets’ hair (and our own hair) shiny, as well as producing a protective and moisturizing layer for the hair and skin. This oil is called sebum.
Sebaceous cysts occur when a normal pore or hair follicle becomes occluded. Occlusion can occur from dirt, infection, scar tissue or even normal sebum that becomes too thick to move out of the pore’s opening.
As long as the cysts are small, closed and intact they cause no problems.
Sebaceous cysts become problematic when they burst and become open to the outside world again. Frequently then they become infected and must be removed surgically. Surgical removal becomes necessary when the cyst will not heal with topical and systemic antibiotics.
Sebaceous cysts may also rupture under the skin and spill their oily contents into the surrounding tissues. The result is an intense inflammation causing a red, itchy area the pet is likely to lick, scratch and rub. These lesions may even be confused with a lick granuloma because both are highly inflamed and very itchy.
Early sebaceous cysts are usually white, raised and quiet-looking. As long as they stay in this phase they require no medical treatment.
It is when complications occur and they become inflamed that medical and/or surgical attention is needed for sebaceous cysts.
See you tomorrow, Dr. Randolph.
MMSEBCYST
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95 Comments to “Sebaceous Cysts In Dogs And Cats”
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Remember when Winston Churchill called Russia an enigma wrapped in a riddle surrounded by a mystery? That’s exactly what your cat has done. She has grown a probably-cancerous mass in/under a cutaneous (skin) abnormality. As you’ve already said, melanoma is rare in cats. I’ve seen only one case, and the kitty belonged to a good friend of mine who moved to Atlanta and had surgical debulking and radiation on a lesion on his nose. Unfortunately, it was eventually fatal, but the oncologist at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine was able to buy some really good quality time for Sam. For the definition of tumor,
click on this link and scroll down to “tumor.” It’s different from what many people think.
Dr. Randolph – My cat just had a sebaceous cyst removed from the middle of her tail. The pathology came back and we were told that the cells in the middle of the cyst were abnormal and would be classified as melanoma. I’m told that this is very rare and I can’t seem to find any information on it. We will be going back in to see the veterinarian in a few days for suture removal and she will then reccomend some oncologists but I wanted to see if you had any off-shelf information? I had thought that only tumors could be malignant so I’m kind of confused. Thank you!
Sorry, Jenifer Rene, but there are no shortcuts here. The best scenario is you make the examination appointment and the lesion is a sebaceous cyst which requires no treatment. But, just as I can’t tell from an email what the problem is, your veterinarian can’t tell over the phone. What if the other extreme turns out to be the case, and it’s a malignant growth? Or infected? You simply can’t afford to take chances with such conditions. Please write back and let us know what is found. Best wishes, Dr. Randolph.
I’m wondering how long it takes for a sebaceous cyst to form in comparison to what I’m now concerned is growing on my dog’s nose. Shih-poo, 3 yrs old, 6 lbs. It’s been about a week and a half since I noticed this pink/skin-colored bump on the bridge of her nose. At first it looked like a possible wart since it was so small and flesh-colored, but it’s grown to the size of a pea in the past 2 weeks. I looked at it this morning and the top of it started to look a little red and possibly crusty looking, so I called my veterinarian and she said this might be a sebaceous cyst. It doesn’t seem to cause her pain, of course when I touch it she moves her head all over which could hurt, but I cant be sure as she’s not squealing.
I’m wondering if there’s anything I can do at home before taking her in to avoid spending the close to $100 for the veterinarian’s appointment/ lancing procedure fee? Most definitely will if I have to, but am praying there’s away to make this heal naturally?
Sorry, Denise, but there is no prevention for ingrown hairs. A warmwater soak will help relieve the discomfort and can bring healing circulation to the area. Click here to read the instructions.
My dog has a small cyst on her vaginal lip. She’s eating and drinking fine and going to the toilet fine. She’s a 4 year old Staffordshire Terrier. She has been spayed. I think it’s because of ingrown hair. I’m taking her to the veterinarian in next few days but till then how do I stop ingrown hairs and would warm water and salt help it? She’s not in any pain.
Of course, Suzanne, there is no way for us to know what the lesion is, having never seen it. However, my concern is the SIZE of the lesion. Grape-sized in a Pekingese-sized dog is a concern, and he certainly needs to see his veterinarian for this problem. Best wishes, Dr. Randolph.
Hi. My Pekingese gets a bump the size of a small grape at the end of his rectum. When I pop it, clear, unscented liquid comes out and it goes away and then later comes back. What is it?
Thanks very much for your quick response and we will discuss with our veterinarian which ones to remove as he did say they may not necessarily be the same. We will also get him to remove one from under his tongue so we can hopefully get a clearer picture. Other than that he is in full health and a typical fun-loving type of his breed.
Maria, because we can’t tell by looking from the outside exactly what’s going on inside, it’s impossible to know what these masses are until your pet’s doctor removes one (or more) and submits them for histopathology. While he’s at it, I would remove at least one of the white spots under the tongue, too.
I wonder if you can give me any advice. I have a 6 year old Weimeraner and over the past 2-3 years he has been developing more of these hardish slight pinky white growths. You can sort of grab hold of them as though they are just loose under the skin and do not affect him. He has a big one on one of his ears around a centimeter and a half diameter then a slightly smaller one on his neck and several other smaller ones. The odd new one keeps appearing and he has a bump on his head that is not too bad on some days but then others it looks quite prominent. None of them have ever burst of had anything out of them. When he had an operation last year to remove a tooth,our veterinarian said he has some little white spots under his tongue. Our veterinarian does not think any of these are to worry about and to get any idea would be to surgically remove the worst ones and do tests on them which we will do in the new year. Thinking they may be sebaceous cysts. Can you give any thoughts or if it could maybe some kind of immune system problem? We have always had dogs but not seen these before although we are told they are common. Thank you.
You are welcome, Terri. I have written about parameters veterinarians use in determining the appropriateness of using local anesthesia. You may access the post by clicking here. In fact, use the SEARCH pane in the upper right hand corner of each page to find lots of good information on pet care by searching for what you’re interested in. Keep me, and our readers, updated about what the outcome of your kitty’s situation is.
Best wishes, Dr. Randolph.
Thanks for your comments. I did just want to ask one more question: is there any chance of doing cyst removal surgery using just a local anesthetic, rather than having do a general? Maybe this would be safer for my old kitty. The first vet I saw told me she would not operate on her in her present condition. Terri
Terri, I wish I could offer you a “magic bullet,” but, alas, none exists for solving complications with sebaceous cysts. Controlling the infection is difficult, and that is but one single component of the problem. Tissue reaction to the sebaceous material the glands produce is an extreme inflammatory response, and it is difficult or impossible to stop, which is another reason these patients often have surgery. Under your veterinarian’s guidance you can keep her on antibiotics for as long as is safe, but don’t be surprised if you still need surgery. The better approach MIGHT be to proceed with preanesthesia laboratory testing, being sure to include a thyroid level for hyperthyroidism, and read this post about modern safety in anesthesia for older pets.
Doctor, my 16 year old cat has a large (1″ diameter) sebaceous cyst, which has broken open after several years and abscessed on top. We have her on antibiotics for the abscess. We’re hoping to avoid surgery as she is old and rather frail. Is there anything we can do to try to make the cyst heal up again and not cause more problems?
Susan, I’ll bet he’s a beauty! I know of no preventive measures for sebaceous cysts. I have always theorized that a benzoyl peroxide shampoo might be able to keep pores and hair follicles open, making it less likely that sebaceous cysts would be created. However, I don’t know of any research that has been done, or whether it has been tried/recommended by board-certified veterinary dermatologists. Besides, you have a kitty, and how many kitties are going to be good for a medicated bath with a 15-minute soak? Certainly, some are. If you wanted to give it a try, there are a number of benzoyl peroxide shampoos. Your veterinarian can dispense a small bottle of the brand he likes, and you could give it a go! Let us know what happens. Best wishes, Dr. Randolph.
I have a 10 yr old Maine Coon. He has dozens of little sebaceous cysts all over him. I recently had him shaved (a lion cut) and have just become aware of the number of cysts he has. His coat has always been dull and oily/waxy. He eats Science Diet Nature’s Best supplemented with Solid Gold canned tuna. I squirt Welactin in his mouth as often as he’ll let me (goal is once a day). Have you had a case with this many cysts and do you have any solutions that I can explore with our veterinarian? Thank you!
Cyndi, the only way for me or your veterinarian at home to answer your question is to take a biopsy. I know of no studies showing sebaceous cysts predisposing a patient to cancer, although the principle that an inflamed area could be more likely to develop into a cancerous lesion is a possibility, that is strictly in the area of theory. Every insurance company has differing policies on preexisting conditions. It can’t hurt to ask your new company about it. They might exclude your kitty for sebaceous cysts, or just for that one, or complications from that one. There is no way for me to know. Certainly, IF you decide to have the lump removed, by all means go ahead with histopathology, if for no other reason than the peace of mind.
Doctor, I have a question:
My adult male cat is 2 years 8 months old, two months ago I found a lump between his tail and his thigh. I rushed him to the veterinarian the next morning to have it evaluated. They took two samples from it and came back to tell me they are absolutely 100% sure it is a sebaceous cyst. While they did say it is rare in cats, they told me there was no reason to worry unless it burst, he chews at it, or becomes infected. None of these things have happened. It does not seem to bother him, and he leaves it alone. My concern is this, is there a possibility of the cyst developing into something else? The reason I ask is that I had my animals enrolled for pet insurance this last month and they won’t cover anything pre-exsisting, or related to the preexisting condition. God forbid anything ever happened but I worry if he ended up with cancer they would try to blame the cyst and deny a claim. I spoke with his new veterinarian about this and looked over the charts. They said if I wanted to remove the lump then I should have it biopsied ( for 200.00 more… ) I am wondering if this is necessary in your opinion? ( to a. have it removed, and b. sending it to a lab )
Lynda, upon reading your note, several questions come to mind: 1, When the lump was removed, was histopathology performed to determine exactly what the mass was? 2, Your sister says it is a sebaceous cyst, but what does your veterinarian say it is? 3, If he licks at the lesion, it means it’s bothering him, which means he needs to have his doctor look at it. 4, Removal of sebaceous cysts is curative, for that cyst. At this point, we haven’t established that this is a sebaceous cyst and there is nothing to prevent a new sebaceous cyst from developing right next to the old incision. Even more worrisome is the possibility that a growth could be developing there. Bottom line: He needs to see his doctor!
Dear Dr Randolph, Several years ago I found a lump in my cat’s tail. I took him to the veterinarian and they supposedly removed it. However, it grew back and last year around Christmas he bit the lump and some blood came out. My sister said it was a sebaceous cyst and not to worry. Well, my cat seems fine, has a good appetite and if anything is overweight. But he licks at his tail and sometimes it leaks a relatively clear fluid. If removal is curative I wonder why his came back? What do you suggest?
You are so helpful. Thank you Doctor.
Indeed, Taylor, take her to your veterinarian today! A boil is a type of infection, requiring medical attention. Then again, what if it’s not a boil? There are hundreds of other things it could be. Rather than take a chance, have your pet’s doctor check her out so you know she will be safe. Besides, puppies need regular and frequent visits during their puppyhoods.
My puppy has a boil-like thing growing on the bottom of her top floppy lip. It’s half the size of 1 green pea. It looks like a boil to me. Should this worry me? Should I take her to a veterinarian?
Sorry, Jo, but having never seen your dog, there is no way for me to answer this question. However, consider that if the lesions ARE cancerous, how much time is passing by not having seen your veterinarian yet. Please take him right away so that these problems may be attended to. Best wishes, Dr. Randolph.
I have a Bichon, age 11 and he is getting of these tiny cysts on his head, one on his ear, one on tail and one on his back. Should I be getting nervous that they are cancerous?
Thanks for writing, StephyJo. Unfortunately, such a growth could be any one of thousands of things, cancer among them. Your Dachshund will need to see her regular veterinarian for a diagnosis. Best wishes, Dr. Randolph.
My 1 yr old Dachshund has something growing off her lip. It is grey and looks like a “blossom” of some sort. Meaning when I use my fingers to touch and look at it opens up like one of those fried onion blossoms. Any ideas on what it could be?
Dear Jasamluvn,
While’s it’s certainly possible, maybe even probable, that the lump that ruptured is a sebaceous cyst, my concern is, what are the other “lumps?” As stated in this article, we can’t usually tell by looking at them from the outside. At the very least your brother needs to take his dog to his veterinarian to get the facts. Drop us another line after he visits the doctor so we, too, will know what the lumps are. Best wishes, Dr. Randolph.
My brother’s dog has lumps on his body. One popped and white stuff came out of it, should he be worried?
Gail, if you lance it without knowing what it is, what will you do if it’s cancer? Or a hernia and that’s his “fluid-filled” urinary bladder? Or colon? Keep your healthcare in your area of expertise and take your dog to his veterinarian. Click here to read about perianal gland tumors. And, let us know what your pet’s doctor says, please. Best wishes, Dr. Randolph.
I noticed a round lump near my 11 year old lab mix’s rectum. It is soft to the touch and feels fluid-filled. What should I do? I am in healthcare. Could I lance it myself?
For our reply to Sheri’s question, click on this link.
J, read here to understand why no doctor can tell you what the structure is for sure without a pathologist’s help. That’s why your second veterinarian is recommending surgical removal and histopathology. Keep the lesion clean, save your money, and have the surgery when you are able. Be sure to take your pet back to the veterinarian if the spot changes significantly. As you’ve read in the post, many sebaceous cysts require surgical removal once they become open, as your dog’s has. IF that’s what the mass is, surgery is curative, and neither topical nor systemic antibiotic therapy make the inflammation go away, in most cases. Best wishes, Dr. Randolph.
I have a German shepherd/lab mix who is 12 years old. He has what I believe to be a sebaceous cyst on his back. It was big and white on top and when we took him to the veterinarian her exact words were, “Hm? I have no clue what that is…” she then proceeded to pop it without knowing what it was. My dog seemed to be in a good amount of pain when she did that and since popping it there has been a consistent flow of blood/fluid/white that comes out of it. It’s not a lot and just seems to have a light dripping but it worries me. I recently took him to another veterinarian and they said the only way to find out what it is is to biopsy it and send it to a lab which would be an estimated $800-$1000 dollars. I am in no financial situation to pay for this, especially because my dog has another small cyst on his eye and nose. Those, however, are tiny and seem to be more superficial.
I am just wondering if you has any tips for how to handle his sebaceous cyst?
I have been keeping it clean and I used antiseptic and read that antibiotics are a must, so I was jumping on that bandwagon- hopefully that’ll help. Thanks, J.
I have a mixed Jack Russell dog. She had a cyst like lump on her back. We took her to the local veterinarian and she said she could remove it cost $400.00. If we wanted it tested for cancer it would be another $200.00. We didn’t have the money to do both so we had it removed. In a couple of weeks another lump came up and then another and so on and so on. Now she has a lot of lumps and the veterinarian is not saying any thing. Do you know what it might be? Concerned owner.
Sheri writes: My cat has a cyst just under his left ear. It started out as a lump, and has grown to be a dangling sac. I want this thing gone. The veterinarian says it’s fine to stay, and the issue is that he can’t be put under because of his heart murmur. Is the procedure different in animals than in humans? I am a technician, working for a physician who delegates small mass removals to us. Every cyst removal I have ever done on a human was performed under local anesthesia. Can that not be done with a cat? Holding him is not an issue, he is a very calm cat and I’m sure I can hold him while she injects him with the local. Thanks for any advice you can offer.
The answer to Sandra’s question is accessible by clicking here.
But what if my dog has small ones that kind of pop up like black dots? I gently squeeze them, the contents come out and his skin heals just fine. Is that ok? It’s pretty much like popping a human zit.
[...] said just to bring him back in if he gets anymore, they go away quickly once drained. This article, Sebaceous Cysts In Dogs And Cats | MyPetsDoctor.com, says surgery is required if they get infected and opens up. Hope this info helps you out! Good [...]
Thank you for your sweet thoughts and comments. Having known each other for almost 14 years, we have been through a lot together. I know that you understand. Dr. Randolph.
MY HUSKY HAS A CYST ON HIS UPPER BACK THAT IS SLIGHTLY OVER AN INCH AROUND AND TALL. SURPRISINGLY, IT HAS NOT BURST OR DRAINED AT ALL. BUT IT LOOKS GROSS. MY VETERINARIAN SAID TO LEAVE IT ALONE OR I COULD HAVE SURGERY TO HAVE IT REMOVED BUT THAT IT WOULD PROBABLY COME BACK. WILL IT COME BACK? I DONT RECALL READING ANYTHING ABOUT THAT. I WOULD LIKE IT REMOVED BECAUSE I’M WORRIED OUR LOCAL PET STORE BATHING EMPLOYEES WOULD NOT BE CAREFUL ENOUGH OF HIM AND HE’S WAY TOO BIG FOR ME TO BATHE. IT DOESNT SEEM TO BE AN ISSUE WITH OUR DOG AND HE CAN’T REACH IT TO MAKE IT WORSE BUT I’M ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT WHETHER IT MAKES HIM UNCOMFORTABLE IN ANY WAY. EXAMPLE: ITCHING OR PAIN. PLEASE ADVISE ME ON MY ISSUES SINCE I’M TRYING TO MAKE AN EDUCATED DECISION WHETHER TO LEAVE IT ALONE OR NOT. HE WILL BE TWELVE YEARS OLD THIS SUMMER. THANK YOU
Linda, I’ve never actually thought about a way to prevent sebaceous cysts, but two possibilities (totally untried, as far as I know) come to mind. One might be regular bathing with a shampoo with follicular flushing action. After reading that post you can read this one to learn the techniques. I’m guessing you’d need to bathe your kitty 1-3 times weekly to have any hope of prevention. Some cats actually like baths. Others will take your head off for thinking of the idea. The other possibility might be nutritional supplementation with essential fatty acids. I hope these ideas help, but I’m certainly not making any promises, and be sure to check with your pet’s doctor first, before trying either technique.
My cat has sebaceous cysts and has had medical treatment involving removing the “cheesy” substance twice in the last two months. Today, while she is still healing, I found another lumpy spot. It seems she is prone to this type of cyst and I do not want to put her through the trauma of another invasive procedure. Is there anything I can apply, or administer, to her to help her combat another flare up?
Call your veterinarian right away for an appointment. This may be a condition requiring surgery or treatment for infection. Do not delay, as you don’t want it to get ahead of you. Also, read this post. Best wishes, Dr. Randolph.