But We In-Cyst: Identifying & Treating Canine Cysts

Remember, this is an educational resource, not a guide for diagnosis.

We always recommend consulting with your veterinarian.

Tap to jump to each section.

What Do Cysts Look Like on Dogs?

Swipe to see various examples of cysts or similar growths.

  • A close-up of a white dog's paw resting on green grass, showing a dark interdigital cyst with a small amount of red discharge.

    Interdigital cyst with increased blood content, likely from recent trauma

  • A close-up of a person's hand with red nail polish holding a dog's tail with a pink sebaceous cyst on it.

    Sebaceous or follicular cyst on dog's tail

  • A close-up of a large pinkish-red cyst on a brown dog's elbow. The elbow is being held up by a human hand.

    Sebaceous cyst on dog's elbow

  • Close-up of a dog's back foot showing a prominent, shiny pinkish-purple cyst on the side of the paw.

    Sebaceous or follicular cyst on side of paw

  • Interdigital bumps or possible follicular cysts between toes of a dog's paw

    Interdigital follicular cysts caused by blocked / damaged hair follicles

  • A close-up of a yellow Labrador Retriever's paw being held by a human hand, showing a pink, interdigital cyst between the middle toes.

    Interdigital cyst on Yellow Lab

  • A close-up of a pink, smooth, round cyst or tumor on a dog's muzzle with visible hair strands around it.

    Possible sebaceous cyst or trichoblastoma on dog's muzzle

  • A close-up of a trichoblastoma on a Golden Retriever's ear, with a hand with black nail polish holding the dog's ear.

    Trichoblastoma on Golden Retriever ear, (similar to sebaceous cyst)

  • Close-up of a ruptured cyst with discharge on the back of a brown dog

    Ruptured sebaceous cyst on dog's back

  • A close-up of a dog's paw being held open by a hand, showing hardened, tooth-like, yellowish cysts between the pads.

    Interdigital cysts with hardened, yellowish exterior

  • A close-up of a person's hand holding open a Yorkshire Terrier's hair to show a small, round, pinkish-purple cyst on the dog's head.

    Sebaceous or follicular cyst on head of Yorkshire Terrier

  • A close-up of a sebaceous cyst on a curly-haired dog's head

    Sebaceous cyst on a dog's head
Sebaceous cyst on back of brown dog with shaved fur

What Are Cysts?

Cysts are hollow spaces or sacs within tissue that contain liquid, semi-liquid, or solid materials. These materials could be secretions that occur in the body naturally, such as sweat or sebum, or atypical breakdown products such as dead tissue cells, blood, or keratin.

Cysts tend to be small (0.5cm - 5cm), round in shape, and well-defined. They can occur anywhere on a dog's body, though some areas may be more susceptible than others, depending on the type of cyst.

Generally speaking, cysts have a smooth, round, bulbous appearance, but not in all instances. Older cysts, or those that come into regular contact with external surfaces, can develop a more callused, rough exterior.

Photo: Sebaceous cyst, via Kingsdale Animal Hospital

Cyst on dog with golden fur

Types of Cysts on Dogs

There are several different kinds of cysts, nearly all of which are benign and non-cancerous. That said, it is always a good idea to get cysts or suspicious bumps on your dog examined by your vet to ensure that they are not cancerous or a sign of an underlying disease.

True Cysts

True cysts have a membrane (called an epithelial or secretory lining) on their inner surface that produces secretions. These cysts typically arise due to a blocked passageway, resulting in the area filling with excess fluid like a balloon.

True cysts often form in glands (especially sweat glands, near the eyes, or on the eyelids) where fluids are produced, appearing slightly translucent with a bluish or dark color. They may appear in numbers around the eyes and ears, and secrete a yellowish substance.

True cysts can be surgically removed, but the lining must be completely taken out or the cyst may return.

Photo: Canine cyst, via Today's Veterinary Nurse

Two gloved fingers hold skin around ruptured follicular cyst on black dog

Follicular Cysts

Follicular cysts are one of the most common cysts found on dogs. These cysts, also called epidermoid cysts, form when a hair follicle becomes inflamed, blocked, or damaged due to localized injury, pressure (especially at pressure points, such as the elbow), UV damage, or inactivity of the follicle -- seen mostly in hairless breeds.

Follicular cysts look like round hard tissue masses (nodules) on or underneath the skin and may contain fluid or a thick, cheese-like substance (keratin). They can become itchy or painful as they grow in size.

Follicular cysts are prone to bacterial infection (pyoderma), and the discharge will then take on a foul odor. They tend to appear on the head, neck, or abdomen, but can show up anywhere on a dog.

Follicular cysts are also known as keratinaceous cysts, infundibular cysts, and inclusion cysts. Depending on who you ask, follicular cysts are often referred to as sebaceous cysts, or vice versa.

Photo: Ruptured follicular cyst on dog, by Dr. Roberta Riedi, DVM, via the Veterinary Information Network

Human fingers hold skin around sebaceous cyst on dog

Sebaceous Cysts

Sebaceous cysts are equally as common and very similar to follicular cysts, in that they affect a part of the hair follicle called the sebaceous gland. The sebaceous glands produce an oily substance called sebum, which helps lubricate and protect a dogs' skin and coat. When these glands become blocked -- due to genetics, debris, trauma, or injury -- the buildup of sebum forms a cyst.

Like follicular cysts, sebaceous cysts are common in dogs and prone to bacterial infection. They tend to appear as pink, white, or even a light blue color, and their discharge (built up sebum and/or other matter) will be a thick, gray or yellow-brownish color.

Sebaceous cysts are most commonly found on the head, neck, body, and hips. They don't tend to be itchy or painful unless they become damaged, experience constant pressure, or occur in an area that inhibits mobility.

Photo: Sebaceous cyst, via Walkerville Vet of Queensland

A close-up of a white dog's leg with an abscess, showing an infected center and reddish pink ring around it. The dog's leg is being held up by a hand with bright orange nail polish.

False Cysts

False cysts don't have an epithelial lining and are better referred to as a "fluid-filled mass." They are often caused by hemorrhage or trauma -- the latter being more common in dogs.

The trauma -- for example, from rough play or collision with something sharp -- kills the tissue and creates a pocket that fills with blood and dead tissue that becomes liquified. Because of this, false cysts typically appear dark-colored. They can also sometimes appear due to a reaction to an injection.

Like other wounds, a false cyst that becomes infected can form an abscess, which is a bacterial infection seen as pocket of pus and / or dead cells (see section photo).

Dermoid Cysts

Dermoid cysts are quite rare, forming while in the mother's womb. These cysts occur because the outer layer of skin (epidermis) does not close properly. Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Kerry Blue Terriers are breeds that tend to have these cysts.

Photo: An abscess on a dog's leg, with pink outer edge and infected center; via u/Sbeachgirl123 on Reddit

Red interdigital cyst between middle toes of dog paw

Interdigital Cysts

Interdigital cysts (furuncles) are follicular cysts that appear between a dog's toes -- typically brought on by allergies, trauma, excessive pressure, or excess friction to one or multiple hair follicles.

Interdigital cysts are common across nearly all breeds. Because these cysts occur in such a high-impact area, they tend to be irritating and itchy. As they grow (often via constant impact / aggravation), they can grow large and even affect your dog's walking gait.

As a dog licks and chews at the cyst, they further damage the hair follicles and skin and add to the inflammation. Like other follicular cysts, interdigital cysts can develop into open sores and easily become infected.

Photo: Interdigital cyst on dog paw, by Jennifer Bailey, DVM; via the Whole Dog Journal.

A close-up of a trichoblastoma on a Golden Retriever's ear, with a hand with black nail polish holding the dog's ear.

Trichoblastomas

While not categorized as a form of cyst, trichoblastoma are very similar to follicular cysts. A trichoblastoma is a benign tumor (overproduction of skin cells) that originates in the hair follicle.

Trichoblastoma appear as an isolated, firm, dome-shaped mass without hair. They are typically found on the head, neck, and base of the ears and are common amongst dogs ages 4-10 years old. These tumors are easily removed via surgery and carry a good prognosis.

Trichoblastoma were once referred to as basal cell tumors until receiving their own classification.

Photo: Trichoblastoma on Golden Retriever ear (diagnosed and later removed by vet); via u/Best-Resident3108 on Reddit

Dog Breeds Prone to Cysts

Though any breed of dog can develop a cyst, there are some breeds that seem to be at an increased risk.

  • Flat art illustration of a boxer dog wearing boxing gloves and a spiked collar

    Boxers

  • Flat art illustration of a schnauzer wearing a bandanna

    Schnauzers

  • Flat art illustration of a dapper English Springer Spaniel wearing a top hat, bowtie, and monocle.

    Springer Spaniels

  • Flat art illustration of a Shih Tzu dog wearing a Christmas elf costume

    Shih Tzus

  • Illustration of a Golden Retriever with a lavender bandanna

    Golden Retrievers

  • Flat art illustration of a basset hound in a Sherlock Holmes costume holding a magnifying glass in its mouth

    Basset Hounds

  • Flat art illustration of a Chinese Crested dog wearing a scarf

    Chinese Crested

  • Flat art illustration of a Doberman Pinscher sitting upright with a gold medal around its neck

    Dobermans

  • Flat art illustration of a happy Yorkshire Terrier wearing cowboy boots on all four feet

    Yorkies

A close-up of a person's hand holding open a Yorkshire Terrier's hair to show a small, round, pinkish-purple cyst on the dog's head.

How Are Cysts Diagnosed in Dogs?

Canine cysts are chiefly diagnosed via two methods, a fine needle aspiration or a biopsy. Every examination will begin with a visual inspection and palpation -- that is, examining the cyst by touch to assess its consistency, mobility, attachment to underlying tissue, and if there is any sort of sensitivity.

A fine needle aspiration (FNA) uses a small needle and syringe to draw a sample of cells from a cyst for analysis under a microscope. FNA is less expensive and invasive than a biopsy and helps to get an idea of the type of cells within the cyst.

A biopsy involves removing part or all of the cyst and having it examined by a pathologist under a microscope (also called histopathology). This method is more accurate, as it gives a more complete analysis of the cells within the cyst and determines whether the entire cyst was successfully removed. Histopathology is also useful in looking for cancer or other potential underlying diseases.

Photo: Sebaceous cyst on Yorkshire Terrier's noggin; via u/abbbbbssss on Reddit

A close-up of a Belgian Malinois dog's paw with a ruptured interdigital cyst between the outer toes; the dog's paw is being gently held by a human hand.

Treatment for Cysts on Dogs

The most effective treatment of cysts in dogs is surgical removal. This ensures that the epithelial lining is removed so the cyst cannot reform. If there is an underlying cause(s) (disease, allergies, etc.), other treatments may be necessary.

False cysts due to trauma may resolve in time, or they can be drained by a veterinary clinic and treated with topical medications (such as RadiQuell™ Canine) to prevent or counter infection.

Since cysts are typically benign, they do not always need to be removed immediately, but they should be monitored to check their growth rate.

Caring for Canine Cysts at Home

We do not recommend that you manually squeeze a cyst in an attempt to burst or drain it, as the contents could leak down into the tissue and lead to further inflammation or infection. In addition, it will likely come back if its lining is still intact. Cysts are best drained and removed by a professional.

If your dog has a cyst, you'll want to make sure your dog isn't licking, rubbing, scratching, or chewing at it. This will bring on inflammation, further irritation, and increase the risk of infection.

If a cyst bursts or opens, you'll want to keep it clean and apply a topical ointment like RadiQuell™ Canine to help it heal and protect it from bacteria. Keep in mind that it can come back.

If the cyst is surgically removed, RadiQuell™ Canine can be used in the same way to protect the incision site. You will also want to be sure that your dog does not aggravate the site, so a bandage or e-collar (cone) may be necessary.

Photo: Ruptured interdigital cyst on Belgian Malinois paw; via u/sandpaws26 on Reddit

Icon depicting a cutaway view of a cyst underneath the skin

Canine Cysts FAQs

Does RadiQuell™ Canine help with dog cysts?

RadiQuell™ Canine (RQC) can be of help with false cysts and small abscesses, especially in countering bacterial infection or helping to reduce inflammation.

With sebaceous and follicular cysts, RQC can potentially help with inflammation. However, for the cyst to go away, the affected follicle / sebaceous gland will need to be unblocked and the fluid drained out.

There is no effective topical treatment for true canine cysts.

With true cysts, the epithelial lining of the cyst must be surgically removed to ensure the cyst does not return. Once removed, RadiQuell™ Canine can help with incision lines and skin repair.

Should I try to "pop" or drain my dog's cyst?

No. Attempting to burst a cyst may force the material within it to leak deeper into the skin and cause inflammation and pain. On top of that, if the cyst's inner lining is not removed, it will likely return.

Leave cysts to the professionals, folks.

Are my dog's cysts contagious?

No, cysts cannot be spread to other dogs, animals, or humans.

Do dog cysts spread?

Cysts are isolated skin disruptions and do not spread across the skin.

They do not usually appear in numbers unless there is an underlying condition that is allowing for their growth. Certain hairless breeds, such as the Chinese Crested, may have multiple follicular cysts form due to inactivity of the hair follicles.

Warts, which can sometimes resemble cysts on dogs, do tend to appear in numbers, unlike cysts.

It should be noted that if you notice what appears to be a cyst that is growing noticeably quickly on your dog, it is more likely a tumor and should be checked out immediately.

Will my dog's cyst grow bigger?

Cysts grow slowly and can even remain the same size for years if left alone.

If you see a cyst on your dog that grows noticeably within a few months, it could a tumor and should be checked out immediately.

If a cyst is agitated or bursts, the contents can leak into the surrounding tissue and generate a lot of inflammation. On top of that, if the cyst is not completely removed, the bursted cyst can reform.

What's the difference between a cyst and a tumor?

Cysts are:

  • Hollow spaces or sacs filled with fluid, semi-fluid, or solid material.
  • Small, round raised bumps of a white, bluish, or translucent color with a well-defined border and can have a central pore or opening.
  • Usually firm-soft (like rubber), yet pliable.
  • Full of a discharge that is thick, yellow-brown or grayish. 

Tumors are:

  • Abnormal growths of tissue that can be benign or malignant.
  • Not filled with another substance; no discharge
  • Can be soft and pliable (lipomas, or fatty tumors) or harder to the touch and fixed to the deeper tissue.
  • Usually larger and less defined than cysts.

What's the difference between a sebaceous cyst and a sebaceous adenoma?

Sebaceous cysts are pockets of sebum created by a blocked sebaceous gland(s). 

Sebaceous adenomas are benign tumors of the sebaceous glands that do not contain fluid in a "pocket." They can resemble pink, red, or pale "brain-like" growths and grow between 1/4" (0.064 cm) - 1" (2.54 cm) in diameter. Sebaceous adenomas are very common in senior dogs.

Where do cysts generally occur on a dog?

Cysts can appear anywhere on a dog, but they are most commonly found on the head, neck, trunk, upper legs, and between the toes (interdigital) of dogs.

Are my dog's cysts cancerous, or can they become cancerous?

No, the vast majority of cysts are benign pockets of fluid trapped under the skin and cause no harm to your dog, nor do they become cancerous.

If anything, they are more likely to get infected by bacteria or fungi if they are ruptured.

Will my dog's cyst go away on its own?

In general, no, cysts will not go away on their own and must be surgically removed.

False cysts -- pockets of blood, fluid, and/or dead tissue (no epithelial lining) that often result from trauma or injury -- can recede and heal with time. However, it is best to get them checked by a veterinarian to avoid bacterial infection and an abscess forming.

The Canine Skin Conditions Continue

  • Large, sea anemone-like papilloma growth between toes of dog

    Warts

    Warts, or papillomas, are benign tumors can occur between toes, on eyelids, ears, and genitals, and even inside your dog's mouth!

    Wart's up with that? 
  • Small blonde dog with blue bandanna lies on turquoise couch licking front paw

    Dog Paw Licking

    So, why do dogs obsessively lick their paws like corn-chip-flavored popsicles? We've got answers, photos, and more.

    Dive in feet first 
  • Front dog paws with burned, red, peeling pads

    Burns

    While most dogs don't tend to receive thermal burns often, they do happen, and it is paramount to know what to do and why. 

    How to beat the heat 
BACK TO SKIN ISSUES HUB
Flat art illustration of a West Highland Terrier with round glasses sitting and reading an open book

Resources on canine cysts

Photo credits

It takes considerable time and effort to compile diverse images of canine skin issues in order to make a helpful resource for pet parents.

There's no possible way to take all these ourselves, so we try to give photo credit whenever we can.

Top banner image collage, left to right:

  1. u/sommerbelle (Reddit)
  2. u/Jaded_East_1033 (Reddit)
  3. u/abbbbbssss (Reddit)
  4. u/FrequentAccess4498 (Reddit)
  5. u/Old-Tomato2328 (Reddit)
  6. u/DameLibrio (Reddit)
  7. u/ReadyFromTheGecko (Reddit)
  8. u/Dannniiiii (Reddit)
  9. u/Best-Resident3108 (Reddit)
  10. u/sandpaws26 (Reddit)
  11. u/Chester_Welsh (Reddit)
  12. u/IllustratorWide6054 (Reddit)

"What Do Cysts Look Like on Dogs?" section:

  1. u/Jaded_East_1033 (Reddit)
  2. u/FrequentAccess4498 (Reddit)
  3. u/DameLibrio (Reddit)
  4. u/Dannniiiii (Reddit)
  5. u/Lovefriedchicken (Reddit)
  6. u/Majestic-Wishbone-58 (Reddit)
  7. u/IllustratorWide6054 (Reddit)
  8. u/Best-Resident3108 (Reddit)
  9. u/ReadyFromTheGecko (Reddit)
  10. u/Old-Tomato2328 (Reddit)
  11. u/abbbbbssss (Reddit)
  12. u/sommerbelle (Reddit)

The Canine Skin Conditions Continue

  • Warts: by Kelsey O'Brian (@knockout0603 on X)
  • Dog Paw Licking: Stock photo
  • Burns: via the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association