Why does my 7-year-old Westie have a weeping, pus-filled lump?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is probably a small abscess or focus of infection. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian. They can prescribe a topical or systemic antibiotic for her which may be enough to treat this if they agree it is an infection. Good luck!

It has the appearance of a sebaceous cyst or mass, however without a physical exam this cannot be confirmed. Monitor for rapid change or growth, discharge or discomfort associated with the lump. Place an e-collar (cone) on SP if he is able to lick or chew the area. Following up with your veterinarian next week is a good idea if you have any additional concerns.

Hello, thank you for your question about Mia. It is possible that Mia has a skin infection or infected hair gland that is leading to the bump and the pus-like discharge you are seeing. If the discharge is more clear in nature it is possible that Mia has a sebaceous cyst or fluid accumulation associated with one of the sweat glands in the skin. If Mia is bothered by this lesion or if the discharge truly is pus, I would recommend having her evaluated by your veterinarian so that they can examine the lesion and potentially collect a sample of the discharge for evaluation. They can then discuss the need for further treatments such as antibiotics. If the discharge is clear or Mia is not bothered by the lesion you could continue to monitor it for the next few days for signs of improvement. Hope this helps, good luck!

This may be a little abscess, a cyst or a tumor (warts are benign tumors, btw.). You should have it examined by your veterinarian, as it is not possible to distinguish these by just looking at a photo. An abscess can usually be treated with antibiotics and/or be lanced, and a cyst can be evacuated. To identify a tumor, 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.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These were likely cysts and probably the cystic material was just released. If this is true, they may fill up again. However, those are usually benign. Westie's are well known for them. They are called sebaceous cysts. Good luck and have a good night!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds like this wound that became a lump that is oozing fluid has become an abscess, or a pocket of infected fluid. Abscesses form when infection is trapped under the skin or within tissues such as fat or muscle. The bacteria will try to find a way out, so they can break through the skin and create a "draining tract" of pus. This should be addressed by your veterinarian, who will likely drain the abscess and open it up to allow continuous drainage. Antibiotics for at least 2 weeks will be needed, along with pain medications. Depending on the size of the wound/abscess, a bandage may be needed. I hope this is helpful! Thank you for seeking care for your Luna!

This presentation is due to a diffuse and quite severe pyoderma. A medicated shampoo, systemic antibiotics and a check up are absolutely needed to solve the problem. Pyoderma could be secondary to other diseases which cause immunosuppression. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.