My dog's cyst is leaking blood and pus. Should I go to the emergency vet?

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This looks likely to be a cyst, which is a benign skin growth that can rupture and exude a thick proteinaceous discharge. I recommend having Roscoe seen by a Vet, as cysts can become infected when they rupture, and Roscoe may need a course of antibiotics. Your vet can then let you know if they have any concerns about the lesion when they’re able to examine it. In the meantime, keep it clean using soapy water (Dawn dish soap works well) and soak/wipe it clean a few times daily. Hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These could be benign or malignant growths. Since these have remained present, it would be best to have them evaluated. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

The problem with cysts is that they can get bigger, then pop, and refill again. This should be drained sterilely, and the cyst may need to be removed surgically to prevent it from reoccurring. Do not try to pop it yourself, as that will introduce infection into the area. I would have Jim seen by a vet today if the vet is open for normal business hours, or on Monday to have the cyst drained. The vet can decide if it needs to be removed surgically.

I wouldn't worry about having an appointment until next Friday or when your veterinarian comes back into town. The way you described what happened sounds like a possible cyst the rupture and is now red and irritated (when looking at the pictures) I would definitely leave it be and if it gets larger and irritated or there is pus coming out I would try to get an appointment somewhere else but if is stays like this or becomes the color of Sophie's skin again waiting until next Friday would be fine. If it is definitively a cyst they do not have to be removed unless they keep breaking open or you want them removed. They have to be surgically removed and the capsule of the cyst has to be removed or it can easily grow back again. You may notice this fill back up also prior to your appointment on Friday. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi there. If the cyst is bleeding right now, the only thing you can do at home is apply direct pressure to it with a paper towel or wash cloth until the bleeding stops. Then, I would recommend taking Mocha to the vet to have this checked when you are able to. He/she can advise you on whether the cyst should be surgically removed, or if any other treatment (antibiotics, etc.) is needed.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Heidi. Sounds like you guys are absolutely right. This is a judgement call. If she is incredibly uncomfortable I would advise taking her tonight. But if she is able to rest, doesn't seem to be in too much pain, I think you can wait until tomorrow to get it assessed. The fact that it ruptured is a good thing, it's probably less painful although a little more messy to deal with. Your vet will probably make sure both anal glands are emptied, advise topical wound treatment, give some antibiotics, anti inflammatories, pain meds, E collar, etc. Keep placing neosporin right on and even in the wound. Also warm compressing it will encourage drainage and ease a lot of pain. Good luck with Heidi.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. This is unlikely to be an emergency so it is ok to go to the veterinarian on Saturday unless something changes with him at home and she does not appear to be doing well at some point. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!