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My senior Shih Tzu has a large head cyst. How can I remove it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | spayed | 14 lbs

I have a shitzu that is 12 years old she has developed cysts and has a large one on the top of her head I would like to remove it but a year ago the vet tried to drain it, it did not work she said she would have to be sedated and stay overnight, that a big bill any suggestions

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 10th, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Unfortunately, for larger masses / cysts, full anesthesia is required to remove them. Some masses can be removed using local anesthetic while the patient is awake, but not in all cases. If it is quite a large cyst, unfortunately, the only 100% solution would be to remove it entirely. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. You can also inquire about freezing the cyst, which depends on the size and location of the mass / cyst.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Eryn Taormina, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi there! Whenever I have clients that have financial constraints, I recommend applying for a care credit card. A lot of veterinary hospitals take care credit as a payment option. I don't think there is anything wrong with starting a gofundme either. Lexi is elderly and should have full labwork and even some additional diagnostics like chest x-rays before experiencing an anesthetic procedure, and this can make seemingly routine procedures more costly. It is only in your pet's best interest though. Another helpful thing to investigate is a wellness plan that includes an anesthetic procedure (usual a dental cleaning). The plan can help bundle the cost of the diagnostics and the anesthesia and you'd just be responsible for the extra. You'd need to make monthly payments, but the plans are usually very convenient for times like this. Good luck!

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