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My dog has a clear bump on her back. Is it a cyst? How to treat?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | spayed | 8 years and 6 months old | 10 lbs

Hello! My dog has a clear/white fluid filled small bump on her back. How do you recommend I treat it?

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5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 29th, 2017

It looks to be a small cyst. I would just leave it alone. It is only a cosmetic blemish. It is not causing any harm. If you want it off of her then you need to have your vet remove it as that will be a surgical procedure. That is not really necessary unless it is bothering her. If you try to "pop" it , it will just come back and you may introduce infection into the cyst and cause an abscess. Really, no treatment is needed. Just leave it alone. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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28Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 2nd, 2018

    It can be a small skin growth such as a cyst or a pustule from a bite or skin infection. If it does not bother her, I would monitor it for any changes since it is so small. If it has a discharge or gets larger, then get it seen by your vet. If it is a from a bite then it may go away altogether this way. A cyst or growth will likely grow or change.

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    Answered By Emily, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 17th, 2017

    This could be an infected cyst, a deep pustule which is essentially a zit or some other type of skin tumor. I recommend keeping it clean and dry, monitoring it for any change in size, redness, discharge or pain. You could try applying a medicated pet shampoo daily and monitoring it afterwards. However if it becomes enlarged, red, painful or more appear or it does not go away after a couple days then Bellybutton needs to be examined by her veterinarian.

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    Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 21st, 2017

    This is not likely to be due to an infection, but more likely a tumor. Considering that it is ulcerated and irregularly shaped, I would be very concerned that this is a cancerous tumor and recommend taking Penut to the vet in the next day or two for an accurate diagnosis and likely removal. I hope that helps and Peanut gets better soon.

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 24th, 2017

    I don't see a picture associated with your post so it is hard to know the cause. It could be a cyst, benign or possibly cancerous mass. Your vet can do a needle aspirate to help diagnose and then determine the best way to treat. It may need to be removed.

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