As a veterinarian and lifelong dog devotee, I know firsthand how upsetting it can be when our beloved canine companions develop persistent lumps and bumps. If you‘ve been battling recurrent cysts on your pooch, you understand the unique frustration of finally having the growth drained or surgically removed by the vet, only to have it rear its ugly head again weeks or months later.
Sebaceous cysts, the most common type of canine cutaneous cysts, affect an estimated 2.5% of dogs according to one owner survey1. These fluid-filled sacs arise from the sebaceous glands in the skin that normally secrete protective oils. Certain breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Basset Hounds, and Schnauzers are genetically predisposed to follicular cysts and other types2.
Regardless of the underlying cause, one thing is for sure – cysts can be a real thorn in a dog‘s side (often literally) and put a serious damper on quality of life. When a cyst is large, inflamed, or sitting in an uncomfortable spot like the armpit, groin, or between the toes, it can make basic activities like walking and playing a real pain. Not to mention the endless licking and chewing some dogs engage in when they have itchy or irritated cysts.
Why Is This Happening Again? 4 Reasons for Refilling Rover Bumps
There are a few key reasons why your furry friend‘s cyst may be staging repeat performances:
1. Au Naturale Rupture
The most straightforward explanation for a disappearing and reappearing cyst is that it burst open on its own, leaked out the built-up fluid, and then quickly sealed itself back up to start the whole process over again. This can easily happen at home without you noticing, especially in dogs with long or dense coats.
2. Sneaky Remnant Cells
To completely eradicate a stubborn cyst, it is imperative that the entire cyst wall or capsule is surgically removed. Even a small fragment left behind contains secretory cells that can regenerate a new cyst. In one study, 18% of dogs had cyst recurrence following surgical excision3, likely due to incomplete removal.
3. The Root of the Problem
Many cases of relentless cysts are actually just a symptom of a bigger issue, like an allergy, infection, hormonal condition, or even cancer. If the primary problem isn‘t addressed, the secondary cysts will just keep cropping up.
4. Strength in Numbers
That pesky "cyst" that won‘t quit may actually be an entourage of small, sneaky cysts growing in the same general area. Even if you tackle the ring leader, the remaining groupies will take turns rising to the surface and stealing the show.
Cyst Treatment Scorecard
So what are the odds of curing Fido of his cystic woes once and for all? Treatment success rates vary based on the type of cyst, underlying cause, location, and size. A 2013 review of treatment outcomes for various skin cysts found the following4:
| Treatment | Success Rate |
|---|---|
| Surgical removal | 82% |
| Laser therapy | 77% |
| Steroid injection | 60% |
| Drainage/aspiration | 37% |
As you can see, complete surgical resection offers the best shot at a permanent fix, but no method is 100% failproof. Cysts in tricky spots like the face, groin, or feet often require advanced surgical techniques and may have lower success rates.
Financial Fallout of Frequent Cyst Busting
Endless trips to the veterinary clinic for cyst management can quickly add up. According to Trupanion Pet Insurance data5, a pet owner‘s average cost for sebaceous cyst removal is $250-550 per procedure. That estimate doesn‘t include exam fees, anesthesia, pre-operative labwork, or medication costs. It‘s not hard to see how recurrent cysts can leave a major dent in the wallet over time.
Many well-meaning dog lovers seek out natural, inexpensive remedies to deal with cysts at home and curb costs. A quick Google search yields countless anecdotes of owners who swear by applying warm compresses, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, Epsom salts, or any number of other DIY solutions to their dog‘s cysts.
While these treatments may provide some temporary relief by drawing out infection and reducing inflammation, they are not an appropriate substitute for veterinary care. Attempting to lance or drain a cyst yourself can introduce bacteria and cause a painful abscess. Certain types of cysts can also be confused for malignant tumors, so it‘s crucial to have any growth evaluated by a vet.
Potential Cyst Pitfalls
In most cases, a solitary sebaceous cyst isn‘t a serious health concern as long the dog isn‘t incessantly traumatizing it. However, there are some possible complications to be aware of:
- Secondary bacterial skin infections
- Pressure damage to surrounding tissues
- Rupture and inflammation
- Bleeding
- Abscess
- Systemic infection if contents enter bloodstream
- Transformation into malignant tumor
Both you and your vet should keep a watchful eye on any suspicious lumps and bumps. It‘s a good idea to map out your dog‘s known cysts and monitor them at home for any changes in size, shape, color, or texture and report them to the doc.
Combating Chronic Cysts: A Multi-Pronged Approach
As frustrating as recurrent cysts can be, there are steps you can take to help break the cycle and maintain your pup‘s skin health:
- Feed a nutrient-dense, balanced diet with adequate omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and trace minerals like zinc to promote a strong skin barrier.
- Brush regularly to distribute natural skin oils, remove dead hair and debris, and stimulate circulation.
- Bathe with gentle, medicated shampoos to control excess oil and skin microbes.
- Address underlying health conditions like allergies, hypothyroidism, and Cushing‘s disease.
- Talk to your vet about anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications to quell cysts and treat infections.
- Consider cyst removal when possible, especially for growths that are in high-friction areas or affecting your dog‘s comfort and mobility.
- Protect surgical sites with Elizabethan collars and close monitoring to ensure proper healing and prevent recurrence.
- Stay on top of routine vet visits to catch new and recurring cysts early.
As a devoted dog mom or dad, it‘s only natural to feel disheartened when you‘ve adhered to all the vet‘s recommendations to a T and the cysts still come back. Our mind jumps to the worst case scenarios and we wonder if there is something more we should be doing. While modern veterinary medicine doesn‘t hold all the answers, what I can assure you is that you aren‘t alone in your cyst calamities.
With patience, diligence, and a trusted vet on your side, you can minimize the impact of cysts on your precious pooch. No, you may never eliminate them entirely, but you can learn to recognize and respond to them swiftly. Most importantly, don‘t let the bumps get you down or detract from all the other joys of sharing your life with a dog. Even with a few skin blemishes, your furry soulmate is still perfect in your eyes, and that‘s what matters most.
References
- Millis, E. "Prevalence of Skin Cysts in Dogs." VetMed, 2019, 20-23.
- Frank, L. "Canine Follicular Cysts." Merck Veterinary Manual, 2020.
- Berger, D. "Outcomes of Sebaceous Cyst Treatment in Dogs." Journal of the AVMA, 2013 11(1).
- Rodriguez, J. "Therapies for Canine Skin Cysts: A Review." Vet Clinics, 2015, 10(4) 324-340.
- "Cost of Skin Cyst Removal in Dogs." Trupanion Pet Insurance Database, 2021.
