What Happened:

When Grace was almost 7 years old she grew a cyst on her right side. It was flat, round and movable along with the skin it was attached to. During her annual check-up in the spring, I mentioned it to the vet. At that time it was about the size of a dime. The vet didn’t seem concerned, so I didn’t worry about it.

A few months later, the cyst had grown to the size of a nickel, and I started to worry as it was clearly growing steadily. I made an appointment with the vet specifically for him to assess this cyst. Like with family doctors, you may get a more thorough examination and treatment plan if you go in with only one problem at a time. He examined the cyst and said “We don’t do anything with these.” Me being no expert on cysts I thought “OK I guess I will just keep an eye on it.” With hindsight being 20/20 I now know I should have sought a second opinion.

The cyst continued to grow and when it was about the size of a quarter, which was a few months later, she must have scratched it or something. I noticed her biting or scratching at herself and found the cyst had ruptured and was now an open wound. Again me not knowing anything about cysts I thought “Maybe this is what they do and then they go away.” I phoned the vet and booked an appointment for two days later to have it looked at, as it didn’t look good.

At the appointment, the vet took one look and said, “You need to get to the emergency clinic right now. They need to operate on it immediately, or she will die.” So within two or three days this cyst had become infected, necrotic and about to kill my girl. I had been cleaning it regularly and keeping her from bothering it, but clearly that did not stop it from becoming life threatening.

Needless to say, we went straight to emerg and Grace was operated on a few hours later.

The Cost:

Not everyone likes to discuss finances but I think it’s really important that pet parents to be aware of the costs involved. Not everyone can afford the big bills. The initial emergency surgery was about $1700.00. But what they don’t tell you when you get this quote is that there will be serious aftercare costs. Grace had to go in everyday for a week for dressing changes. Some of these appointments were $500.00. During week two she needed to come in for dressing changes every second day and then later every third day. I’m blessed with a close friend who is a nurse, so I managed to do some of these dressing changes myself.

Grace needed medication and then more medication to deal with her reactions to the first medications. She ended up on antibiotics for almost two months. Thankfully she healed quickly and there were no further complications.

But a year later that same cyst was oozing a white pastey substance when you squeezed it. We went for a second surgery. I didn’t want a repeat of the first very stressful and frightening infected, necrotic, life-threatening experience. The second surgery was around $1300.00 and there was little aftercare required. I think my vet gave me a deal because he felt bad about the previous incident. So Grace was now my ten thousand dollar Wheaten. She had a previous eye surgery when she was young. And of course this doesn’t include her two teeth cleanings and investigations for Gulpies. Currently she is my $15,000.00 Wheaten. I have met other Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier owners who have paid out large amounts for their dogs as well. You need money to own a pet!

What I Learned:

After spending hours on line researching cysts I found that other pet parents have had cysts removed only to grow back and continue to be a problem. One useful thing I learned was that Lavender Essential Oil can sometimes make cysts disappear. When Grace was nine she developed another cyst on her backend, similar to the one that caused so much trouble. I put a drop or two of the Lavender Essential Oil directly on the cyst about three times and it went away. It was about the size of a dime when I did this. Grace is now ten, and it has not returned. I discussed this with my vet, and he has advised because it’s topical, it’s completely safe to use.

At age ten Grace developed another cyst on her side and the lavender essential oil didn't get rid of it. I tried tea tree oil and later coconut oil and neither worked. I had made myself a face serum from jojoba oil, shea butter, castor oil, coconut oil, vitamin E, lavender essential oil and frankincense essential oil. I've been putting this on the cyst for the past few weeks and now it's almost gone. So keep trying until you see what works.

What I also learned was that Wheatens are prone to these kind of skin issues due to the type of fur they have. It’s often a blocked hair follicle that starts the cyst growing. Regular brushing and grooming can help prevent this.

Below is additional information related to cysts. Always check with your vet before treating your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

Naturopathic Treatment for Canine Cysts: Using Lavender Essential Oil and Other Natural Remedies

Naturopathic treatments for canine cysts focus on reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and preventing infection using natural, non-invasive methods. Lavender essential oil is one of the most commonly used natural remedies due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing properties. Below is a guide to using lavender essential oil and other naturopathic approaches to treat canine cysts.

Graces Story: Cysts

Summary of Information on Cysts From:

Small Animal Dermatology- A Color Atlas and Therapeutic Guide

Written by Dr. Keith A. Hnilica and Dr. Adam P. Patterson is a comprehensive resource for diagnosing and treating skin conditions in dogs and cats. The book provides detailed information on cysts, including their types, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Here’s a summary of the key points related to cysts:

1. Types of Cysts

The book categorizes cysts based on their origin and structure. Common types include:

• Sebaceous Cysts:

  • These are the most common type of cysts in dogs and arise from blocked sebaceous glands.

  • They are filled with keratin (a protein found in skin and hair) and are typically benign, round, and movable under the skin.

• Epidermoid Cysts:

  • Similar to sebaceous cysts but originate from the epidermis (outer skin layer).

  • They are also benign and contain keratinous material.

• Follicular Cysts:

  • Develop from hair follicles and are often associated with breed predispositions.

  • These cysts may become inflamed or infected if ruptured.

• Dermoid Cysts:

  • Congenital cysts that form during embryonic development.

  • They are rare and can contain hair, skin, or other tissues.

• Apocrine Cysts:

  • Arise from apocrine sweat glands and are often seen in older dogs.

  • These cysts are typically benign but can become large and bothersome.

2. Causes and Risk Factors

The book highlights several factors that contribute to the development of cysts:

• Breed Predisposition:

  • Certain breeds, including Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers, are more prone to developing cysts due to genetic factors.

• Skin and Coat Type:

  • Dogs with oily skin or dense coats are more likely to develop sebaceous cysts.

• Age:

  • Older dogs are more prone to cysts, particularly apocrine cysts.

• Trauma or Inflammation:

  • Injuries or chronic skin inflammation can lead to cyst formation.

3. Clinical Presentation

Cysts typically present as:

• Round, firm, or fluctuant (fluid-filled) masses under the skin.

• They are often painless unless they become inflamed, infected, or ruptured.

• The overlying skin may appear normal or have a small opening (pore) through which keratinous material can be expressed.

4. Diagnostic Approach

The book emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis to differentiate cysts from other skin growths:

• Physical Examination:

  • The vet will assess the size, shape, location, and texture of the cyst.

• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA):

  • A minimally invasive technique where a thin needle is used to collect fluid or cells from the cyst for microscopic examination.

  • FNA helps confirm the presence of keratin or other cyst contents.

• Biopsy:

  • If the cyst is atypical or suspicious, a biopsy may be performed to rule out neoplasia (cancer).

5. Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type, size, and condition of the cyst:

• Monitoring:

  • Small, asymptomatic cysts may not require treatment and can be monitored for changes.

• Drainage:

  • Inflamed or infected cysts may be drained to relieve discomfort, but this is often a temporary solution as the cyst may refill.

• Surgical Removal:

  • Complete surgical excision is the most effective treatment for recurrent or bothersome cysts.

  • This ensures the entire cyst wall is removed, preventing recurrence.

• Antibiotics or Anti-Inflammatories:

  • If the cyst is infected or inflamed, medications may be prescribed to manage secondary issues.

6. Prevention and Management

While not all cysts can be prevented, the book suggests the following measures to reduce the risk:

• Regular Grooming:

  • Keeping the dog’s coat clean and free of tangles can help prevent clogged pores and cyst formation.

• Skin Care:

  • Addressing underlying skin conditions (e.g., allergies, infections) can reduce the likelihood of cyst development.

• Routine Checkups:

  • Regular veterinary exams can help detect cysts early and ensure they are properly managed.

Conclusion

Small Animal Dermatology: A Color Atlas and Therapeutic Guide provides a detailed and practical approach to understanding and managing cysts in dogs and cats. While most cysts are benign, they can cause discomfort or complications if left untreated. By using diagnostic tools like FNA and cytology, veterinarians can accurately identify cysts and recommend appropriate treatment, such as surgical removal or medical management. For pet owners, the book underscores the importance of regular skin checks and professional evaluation of any new or changing growths. Early detection and proper care are key to ensuring your pet’s skin health and overall well-being.

Links:

American Kennel Club:

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/types-of-cysts-on-dogs/

3. When to Seek Veterinary Care

While naturopathic remedies can be effective for mild cysts, it’s important to consult your veterinarian if:

· The cyst grows rapidly, becomes painful, or changes in appearance.

· The cyst ruptures or shows signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus).

· Your dog develops multiple cysts or other concerning symptoms.