My dog has a cyst-like lump on her hind leg. Should it be removed?

Hi, It looks to me as though Shadow may have a hygroma. This is a false bursa that develops over bony prominences, commonly the elbow, due to repeated trauma from pressure points while lying down on or hitting the elbows on hard surfaces. This repeated trauma creates an inflammatory response, which results in a dense-walled, fluid-filled cavity. Overtime, severe inflammation may develop, and ulceration, infection, even abscesses can form on the hygroma. To prevent this from getting worse, provide plenty of soft padding and soft bedding for Shadow to have to prevent more trauma to the area. In minor cases even elbow pads can be bought for dogs. For severe cases, surgeries can be performed to try to cosmetically fix the area after flushing, draining and repairing the areas. Hope this helps! -Dr. Gordon

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 would have this lump on Laila checked out by a vet first. While it could be a cyst, there is always a chance it could be something more serious like a malignant tumor (although the chances are low in a young dog). It's also important to have any lump checked out by a vet to make sure it isn't something concerning. Should it be a cyst, an antibiotic ointment will not do anything for it, and I would only recommend warm compresses and cleaning it if the cyst was opened and draining. Do not try to pop it! Typically you can leave these cysts alone as long as it isn't bothering your dog and isn't getting bigger. First step is to have it definitively diagnosed by a vet, so I would give her vet a call for an appointment. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

It could be that this lump on his front leg is a cyst, but if it's preventing him from running and going on long walks without limping, it should be removed surgically. I would speak to the vet about possibly doing this for the lump. As for the new lump, that should be examined by a vet as well and a sample of the fluid should be examined to see if it is a cyst, benign tumor, or malignant tumor. If it's a cyst, then it can be removed as well surgically.

This bump on Aspen's leg could be a cyst, a lipoma, a benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. Any suspicious bumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the bump to get a sample of it's cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. I would take Aspen into the vet tomorrow to have the bump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Lady. This lump could be a cyst, a benign growth, or a malignant growth. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump to get a sample of its cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. Once the cause of the lump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options if needed. Give her vet a call to make her an appointment. I hope this helps!

Hello. Unfortunately, there is no way to stop these small growths from occurring. Removal is curative, but small cysts & lumps, as well as skin tags, can continue to appear. It is just who Benjamin is. It is always best to have your vet take a look & monitor these growths. Some should be removed while others should be left alone. It is important to know what they are & your vet can take a small sample with a syringe & needle & examine the cells under the microscope. The ones you show do not appear to be very worrisome, but do have your vet make note on Benjamin's chart to follow their growth. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.