Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 4/13/2006

Question
Hello,
My 12 year old golden had a small sebaceous cyst that was first diagnosed about six years ago.  While scratching a couple of days ago she took the top off of it.  I have been keeping it very clean with betadine rinses four times a day and antibiotic ointment.  This dog has many health problems and is a poor surgical risk.  Will this heal with my treatment?  It is not swollen red or hot around the site.
Thank you,
Lisa Roach

Answer
Sebaceous cysts should be removed because they are lined with secretory cells that will make the cyst refill when it heals over.  These can be removed with a local anesthetic block if your dog is a poor risk for a general anesthetic.  I have a laser and they are very easily removed with laser tissue ablation.  In small ones, I do not even suture them back together. If your vet does not have a laser, then an excision of the entire cyst needs to be done and the skin sutured back together.