My dog has a lump on its head. Could it be a cyst? How do I treat it?

I agree that it looks like it is most likely a sebaceous cyst. Sebaceous cysts tend to grow slowly over time, but should not increase in size rapidly or become red. They can become infected, so it if becomes red or painful, I would recommend having your veterinarian examine it in case it has become infected. If it is enlarging, your vet can perform a simple test called a fine needle aspirate where they use a small needle to collect some cells from the mass, then look at them under the microscope to make sure that it is a benign cyst. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If you can shave the fur away and clean the area twice daily with warm and mild soap then apply a topical antibacterial cream twice daily it may help. If the area gets worse or isn't starting to improve with a week you should have her seen by a Vet. Most exams and antibiotics shouldn't be that expensive. I hope this helps and I wish Akuma the best!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This appears to be a fluid filled cyst from the looks of it. These can come and go at times. Typically there is no concern with these other than the fact that they are unsightly for some pet owners. This is something that could be removed under sedation if you would like it removed.

Trust your vet. As long as the mass does not grow or cause a problem, it is better to leave it alone. Should it start to grow or burst or ooze or get infected, it can be surgically drained or removed.

Hi, It's impossible to truly know exactly what it is without doing a fine needle aspirate of it. Although it could just be acne or a sebaceous cyst or ingrown hair. I would not worry about it. Have your vet take another look at the next appointment and see what they say. Hope this helps!

This may be a cyst or a tumor, or a pimple (little abscess). You should have it examined by your veterinarian as tumors should be removed ASAP, especially if they are of a black color. An abscess can usually be treated with antibiotics and/or be lanced, and a cyst can be evacuated. Your vet may want to do a fine needle aspirate (he takes some material from the bump with a needle and then looks at it under the microscope) to determine whether the mass is concerning. You can also watch it for a few days and see whether it goes away again. I don't think it is anything terribly worrisome.

It looks to be a small cyst. I would just leave it alone. It is only a cosmetic blemish. It is not causing any harm. If you want it off of her then you need to have your vet remove it as that will be a surgical procedure. That is not really necessary unless it is bothering her. If you try to "pop" it , it will just come back and you may introduce infection into the cyst and cause an abscess. Really, no treatment is needed. Just leave it alone. Hope this helps. Best wishes.