Sebaceous Cyst Removal in Dogs

A sebaceous cysts removal treatment in dogs is a surgical procedure used to remove a cysts on the skin’s surface. Sebaceous cysts are often removed with a scalpel blade in veterinary medicine, but can be resolved using surgical laser orcryotherapy. Surgical blade removal is the most common form of sebaceous cyst removal treatment. Sebaceous cysts should only be removed by a licensed veterinarian or veterinary dermatologist. 

Preoperative blood work will be obtained from the canine patient to ensure a clean bill of health. The canine may be fasting, but local anesthetic patients will not be required to do so. 

1. The cyst and surrounding area will be palpated to confirm location. 
2. Using a skin marker, the vet will draw an ellipse over the cyst as a guide for his/her incision. 
3. Local anesthetic will be injected around the cyst to provide an anesthetic block, which blocks the nerve receptions in one located area. The general choice of local anesthetic combination is 2% lignocaine with adrenaline. (variable) 
4. The surgical area will be clipped and cleaned with an antiseptic solution containing chlorhexidine or Betadine.
5. The area of the dog that is not a part of the surgical procedure will be covered with a sterile drape(s). 
6. Using a scalpel blade, the first incision will be made through the subcutaneous tissues. 
7. A blunt dissection is then made to identify the plane between cyst and regular subcutaneous tissue. 
8. The vet will then remove 25% of the cyst circumference using blunt dissection technique. 
9. Using his/her thumbs, the vet will apply gentle pressure to the surrounding tissues to encourage the cyst to elevate from the dissection. 
10. The cyst will be grasped with forceps and surgical scissors will separate the cyst’s deep pole.  
11. Bleeding will be managed and non-absorbable sutures will be placed, closing the incision opening. 
12. Saline solution will be used to clean the surgical area after closure.

The efficacy of sebaceous cyst removal in dogs is variable, as the location and number of cysts compromises the overall resulting prognosis. Canines that only present one sebaceous cyst in a location on the body that is not rich with nerves or blood has a great prognosis. However, problems arise when a dog presents multiple cysts or a sebaceous cyst on the face, eyes, neck or the inner thighs. 

Cysts may recur if the entire sac was not removed.

A dog that has undergone a sebaceous cyst removal will be sent home with an antibiotic to prevent infection and an Elizabethan collar to prevent manipulation of the surgical site. The surgical site will need to remain clean and exercise restrictions for the dog may be placed. If non-absorbable sutures were placed to close the surgical opening, a secondary appointment will need to be scheduled to have the sutures removed. 

The average cost of removing a sebaceous cyst from a dog can vary depending on the dog's size, cyst's size and technique used. Cost will range from $250 to $400. If your dog has multiple cysts or if the cyst is located in a challenging area, such as the face, the price may increase.

If a general anaesthetic is involved, these carry an inherent risk. Discuss with your vet what risk your dog would be at, as it depends on factors including a dog's age and health status.

As with all surgical procedures, haemorrhaging is a possible risk, but can be limited by removing blood thinners prior to surgery and minimising exercise after. 

Sebaceous cysts lie deep into the layers of the skin, which poses a risk for bacterial infection. Ensure your dog cannot lick or chew at the wound when it heals.

Lastly, an incomplete removal of the cyst can cause the affected area to develop into a lesion or reoccur shortly after removal.

It is likely that the occurrence of sebaceous cysts has a large genetic component. Sebaceous cysts can affect a canine for unknown reasons that cannot be controlled, however, there are a few factors that veterinarians advise as methods of prevention. 

• Diet: A balanced diet is the best way to keep your dog’s health in check and that includes his skin. 
• Hygiene: Grooming your dog will help spread the sebaceous oils throughout the hair coat, while bathing will keep the amount of oil to a minimum. 
• Routine veterinary check-ups: visiting the veterinarian at least once a year will help catch skin problems early and will aid in preventing future problems from occurring.