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Expert: - 10/31/2010


Question
Hello, my female German Shepherd is 2 and she has a lump on her side.  There was something black protruding from this top of the lump so I began to further investigate.  When I began to squeeze the lump a white substance came out that was about 1 inch long and nearly 1/8 inch in diameter. this is the second one of these in 2 months.  What could it be, and what should I do?  

Answer
It sounds like you dog might have a sebaceous cyst or she could have a Cuterebra grub in her side.
You might want to look at this case of a Cuterebra in a cat:

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=0+1540&aid=3327

However, since you got some white, cheesy stuff out of it the chances are better that it's a sebaceous cyst.

Either way, the vet needs to see it. A cyst will need to be removed via a small surgery because it will keep coming back.

A cuterebra larvae infection also needs to be removed by the vet. The surgery site will be small and the dog will recover with no issues.

But you need to get her into the vets next week. Do not squeeze it anymore as you can make it infected by doing so.

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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