This article discusses information regarding sebaceous gland adenoma in pets.
Dogs are susceptible to all types of bumps, lumps, and cysts, particularly as they age. But they are not always concerning. A sebaceous gland adenoma in pets is a harmless type of cyst, but it can be alarming in concerned dog owners. This article discusses information regarding sebaceous gland adenoma in pets.
What Is It?
A sebaceous adenoma is a nonmalignant tumor growth from the sebaceous glands (sweat glands) – all dogs have them. They are located below the animal’s skin’s surface, releasing sebum through pores around your dog’s hair follicles. But when there is a buildup of oil secretions, the hair follicles of these sweat glands get clogged, and the natural secretions have nowhere to go, forming a cyst.
Signs and Symptoms
A sebaceous gland adenoma in pets is typically small, a quarter inch to 1 inch, as it develops at the base of a tiny hair follicle. Here is what to search for:
- White to pink in color
- Raised bump or lump
- Hair loss around the lump
- Swelling, redness, and fluid with crustiness
- Tumors mainly occur on the legs, trunk, feet, or face
- Looks like a wart or pimple
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian can evaluate any cyst’s appearance, size, and location. He or she might suggest a tissue biopsy or fine needle aspirate to take a sample of the raised bump. However, this may be unnecessary for a sebaceous cyst as they can sometimes be diagnosed by gross appearance alone.
Your vet can also surgically remove the sebaceous adenoma or treat it with medicine. Antibiotics can destroy bacteria that help prevent infection and disease. However, neither will remove the cause of a sebaceous adenoma.
Treatment
In most cases, aggressive treatment is unnecessary because these are cosmetic lesions. However, lesions will change, grow, or bother the canine, so they should be removed and biopsied. Although surgical removal is curative, new nodules will often continue to develop elsewhere as the dog ages. In dogs with many tumors, oral retinoids might slow nodule growth and decrease the formation of new tumors.
HERE AT MOUNT CARMEL ANIMAL HOSPITAL, WE’LL TREAT YOUR PETS LIKE FAMILY!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook