Sebaceous Gland Cyst In Dogs

My groomer is a grumpy old gal, but I mean that in the nicest way. Several days before my grooming appointment, the veterinarian had found a suspicious bump. The plan was to have it surgically removed and sent off to a lab for cancer testing. I advised my groomer to be very careful, and shave around the dreaded bump. She looked at the bump, then back at me, back at the bump, then looked back at me as if to say, "Are you crazy?" My groomer then said, "CoCo, I don't know how to say this politely, but I think your veterinarian is either a crook or a moron." Then she said, "I'm only a groomer so I am unable to diagnose or treat you, but in my opinion this is a sebaceous gland cyst. If I squeezed this by accident, it would pop just like a pimple." That's exactly what she did, all by accident of course. It has healed up nicely, and I did end up finding a new veterinarian that might be smarter than my groomer.

This is all a true story, but not necessarily a recommendation. Many veterinarians will suggest surgery with a biopsy for sebaceous gland cysts. Yet, they sound very much like the dogs version of a pimple! Within the sebaceous gland, there is an oily substance called sebum, and it's purpose is to lubricates the skin. The ducts of the sebaceous glands empty into hair follicles. When the follicles become obstructed, it can cause the development of a sebaceous cyst. Sebaceous gland cysts are typically smooth and round growths and may have a slightly bluish tint. When they are popped, umm I mean surgically removed, it will drain a grayish white, cheesy consistency substance.