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Open Drainage of Cysts in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 12/23/2016Updated: 05/13/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
What are Open Drainage of Cysts?
A cyst is a large, abnormal sac within the body that is typically filled with fluid or pus. Cysts are sometimes caused by a bacterial infection or blockage of any of the body's many glands and ducts. Although commonly mistaken for tumors, cysts tend to be benign and non-life-threatening (although some may be unsightly or uncomfortable). Veterinarians may opt to use a needle to drain the fluid from these vessels, although sometimes, it will be necessary to perform a procedure known as 'open drainage' on the cyst, or surgical removal.
Open Drainage of Cysts Procedure in Dogs
Due to the invasive nature of the operation, the vet will usually place the dog under a general anesthetic and shave the site where they plan to make the incision. Next, using a scalpel, they will cut through the intervening tissues to reach the cyst, which they will carefully slice open. The cyst can then either be allowed to drain by itself into a pan, or suction can be applied to remove the contents. After the cyst is drained, most vets will opt to remove it entirely (especially if it has become infected). The incision is then sutured closed and the dog allowed to awaken.
Efficacy of Open Drainage of Cysts in Dogs
Open drainage will alleviate the symptoms associated with a cyst almost immediately. If the cyst has become infected (and the infection has spread) then antibiotics will be required, but the noticeable swelling and inflammation should start to ebb away right after surgery.
Open Drainage of Cysts Recovery in Dogs
Immediately after surgery, the dog will require painkillers to alleviate any obvious discomfort. Depending on the location of the cyst that was drained, the dog may also need to be fitted with an E-collar to prevent it from tearing out its own sutures. It may also be required that the owner tries to keep exercise to a minimum until the wound is healed. Fortunately, as most cysts tend to occur in the sebaceous glands of the skin, the surgical wound will often not be especially deep and will heal in just over a month. If a serious infection was involved, however, the dog will also need to complete a full course of antibiotics, which will usually take about two to four weeks. The vet may also wish to schedule some follow-up visits to ensure that the surgical incision is healing correctly and the underlying condition is clearing up.
Cost of Open Drainage of Cysts in Dogs
The normal price for open drainage of most cysts can be expected to fall roughly around $250. Depending on location, however, the price may increase further.
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Dog Open Drainage of Cysts Considerations
Although a very potent means for dealing with problem cysts, open drainage is not without risks. Elderly dogs are especially at risk of cardiovascular failure when placed under general anesthetic, which may cause some owners to think twice before opting for the surgery. Another potential pitfall is the potential for infection of the incision site, though this can be counteracted by making sure the dog's living environment is thoroughly cleaned when they return from the clinic.
Open Drainage of Cysts Prevention in Dogs
While cysts that occur deep within the body are normally the result of genetic predisposition, sebaceous cysts are somewhat avoidable. They are typically caused by blockages of the sebaceous duct and damage to the hair follicle itself. By making sure a dog's living area meets a good standard of hygiene and by properly grooming and maintaining its coat, an owner can mitigate the risk of cysts developing.
Open Drainage of Cysts Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
mixed breed
Seven Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
My dog has what we think is an abcess. It has been about a week with draining, cleaning with black tea, and applying manuka honey over it and we have been trying to treat it, but don’t know if it is getting better.
Dec. 30, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello, this could be an abscess from an infected tooth. Your dog would need this tooth pulled and antibiotics to help. It is best to use Neosporin or another triple antibiotic ointment to help this area heal. She would also need to see your vet for tooth removal if it is an infected tooth.
Dec. 30, 2020
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Labrador Retriever
One Year
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Raised Lump
My lab has a pretty good sized red lump her leg that is leaking fluid.
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
7 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
That is a large area, and seems to be a problem. It may be a tumor called a histiocytoma, and given the location, It would be best to have them seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine your pet and see what might be causing this, and let you know what treatment might help so that it does not continue to get worse.
Oct. 11, 2020
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Boxer Shepherd
Nine Months
11 found this helpful
11 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Redness
I’m not sure what my dog has. But it’s a large bump on her right shoulder. It’s round and red. I went to the vet they gave me stuff to clean it, shaved the area to see it’s growth, and some antibiotics. I finished the antibiotics but the mass is still there. I’m not sure if it’s cancerous or a cyst. I don’t have the money during this pandemic to stick a needle and find out what it is. I am hoping it’s a cyst and will go away in its own but worried it could be worse. What should I do?
July 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
11 Recommendations
Hello,
From the picture it looks like a mass that needs to be removed or at least taken a small sample to look for cancer cells. Look into Care Credit as many vet accept this for payment for a mass removal.
July 26, 2020
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Yorkie mix
Five Years
13 found this helpful
13 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swelling
My dog initially had a ball in his neck, we took it to the vet and they only gave us antibiotics and told us to just wait. 2-3months ago it opened it self and drained itself. A week ago I notice that it was almost gone. Today 7/12 I felt he had it swollen and I was trying to see and watery blood come out. I showered him, cleaned it, shaved around the area and he has an open hole where all the stuff been coming out. I put some alcohol, oxygenated water then ointment. What’s suggested to do? I’m afraid I take him again and they just return me with antibiotics.
July 13, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
13 Recommendations
I'm sorry that your dog is having problems.
If that area was an abscess, he may need more antibiotics. It may have been that initially they helped, but the infection came back. It may also be a cyst that needs to be taken out, or a growth that needs attention. From your description, the best thing to do would be to have a recheck with your veterinarian, and let them look at this area now that things have changed I hope that everything goes well for your dog.
July 13, 2020
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Bichon Frise
Sherlock
15 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Seepage
My bichon has had a sebaceous cyst near the base of his tail for years. It finally burst but because he is almost 15 years old my vet does not want to do surgery. They have had him on two rounds of clavomox, then a round of clovomax and batril, and now cefpodoxime. The site continues to weep. Is there any thing else I can do? Other than a slow gate, he is fine.
Sept. 8, 2018
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Golden Retriever
Jack
13 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pus
Cyst
My dog has a cyst on his back that has been draining pus for about 2 weeks. The vet does not want to operate as the dog is 13 years old. I have been cleaning it daily, but the puss keeps draining and draining. (The vet's office is not open due to Covid-19 except for emergencies.) Should I try to get the puss to drain by applying mild pressure, or just let it come out on its own time? The opening does not appear to be infected.
St. Bernard
Snowy
6 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Cyst On Tail
My 6 yr old St. Bernard (dx'ed with idiopathic epilepsy - on meds and seizures triggered by some anesthesia for prior surgeries) has developed a benign cyst on underside of tail. Cyst is large and blood filled. Happened in same area 2X now. First time finally drained and healed on it's own. This time, cyst is much larger now and blood filled and seems to be uncomfortable for dog. Dog is not chewing or biting it as covered with gauze. Once gauze is removed, showing small area of blood. I have used warm water compresses (not squeezing) on cyst where a little amount of blood has been presented. Dog seems very soothed with using wet warm compresses on cyst. As dog cannot undergo surgery for removal of cyst, can a Vet using a sterile tool open the cyst a tiny amount to help drain and remove pressure from cyst. I realize this will not remove cyst permanently, but due to extreme sensitivities of some anesthesias used, this would be considered a risk by Vet.Pls advise for treatment.
Chiweenie
Spike
6 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Redness
My Chiweenie had what we thought was a lipoma on the back of his neck for months. Last night I was feeling it and it popped. It was a cyst. The drainage was white and grayish with black flecks. Not liquid, like puss. I tried to get more of the contents out tonight, but it’s uncomfortable for him. Ive been putting antibiotic ointment on it. What else should I do. It’s not completely drained.
