Cysts

Supporting Dogs with Recovery From Cysts

Cysts are closed, fluid-filled growths that may develop in normal tissue which may vary in size and occur anywhere in the body.

Natural support through dietary supplements can help to control and prevent cysts. Use supplements formulated from herbal extracts by the experienced vets at NHV. Over time, they may help your dog recover in a number of important ways. Try these remedies for canine cysts as part of treatment recommended by your veterinarian.

Types of Cysts Found in Dogs

1. Skin Cysts - These types of cysts are benign and are filled with a skin protein called keratin, and are mostly malformations of the hair follicle. Skin cysts take on the same color as your pet’s hair and may appear in multiple or as one individual cyst. Surgery is the go-to remedy for the removal of skin cysts.
   
   
2. Winer Cysts - These rare hair follicle cysts occur more often in older male dogs. The dome-shaped appearance may protrude from the skin’s surface resembling a blackhead.
   
   
3. Other Types of Keratinized Cysts Found in Dogs include:
• Isthmus Catagen Cysts
• Matrix Cysts
• Hybrid Cysts
• Dermoid Cysts - These are benign and congenital, so the dog is born with them and they occur more often in the following dog breeds:
• Boxers
• Kerry Blue Terriers
• Rhodesian Ridgebacks
  
  
4. Ovarian Cysts - These follicular fluid-filled cysts should be highly suspect in any female dog demonstrating signs of heat lasting longer than 40 days. Once the confirmation of these cysts is done through lab tests and ultrasonography, the primary traditional remedy for canine cysts of the ovary is removal of the ovary and uterus (also known as a 'spay'). If you are planning on breeding your dog, your vet may prescribe a treatment of medications that cause ovulation to occur which may resolve the problem, but it is vital to monitor your dog for signs of a uterine disease closely.
   
   
5. Apocrine Gland Cysts of the Sweat Glands  
• Apocrine Gland Cysts - These cysts are generally not cancerous and are found in middle-aged dogs developing in or outside the hair follicle mostly on the head and neck.
• Apocrine Gland Adenomas - These cysts are firm to soft and contain clear to a brownish fluid.
• Apocrine Ductular Adenomas - These benign cysts are found in older dogs, appear close to the skin’s surface, and the traditional canine cyst remedy is surgical removal.  
• Apocrine Gland Adenocarcinomas - These are rare malignant tumors of the sweat glands, and their appearance can vary from a thick lump to an ulcer that is likely to spread across the skin. Most often these appear in the following dogs:
• Peekapoos
• Old English Sheepdogs
• English Springer Spaniels
  
  
6. Kidney Cysts - These cysts are usually detected accidentally, and the cause is unclear, but generally do not affect normal kidney function.
   
   
7. Liver Cysts - Dogs may be born with liver cysts or can develop them over time, and most go undetected but can occasionally cause the following symptoms:

• Abdominal Swelling
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Excessive Thirst

Additional Support Tips

Cysts should never be removed by squeezing them as it can spread the contents of the cysts into surrounding tissues and can cause severe inflammation. At NHV, you will find dietary supplements that can help cleanse the body as well as the organs which may help to reduce the cysts.