Cysts on dog

Question
I have an Australian Shepherd, neutered male, 4 years old that gets cysts on his back.  One had gotten so big that it was surgically removed.  He gets several that will eventually open up and drain.  I clean them out and put antibiotic ointment on them.  My question:  Why does Jake get these, is there something we can do to prevent them and what is the best treatment for them?  When he was at the vet for his yearly vacs, the vet squeezed a couple, rubbed some alcohol on them and acted like they were no big deal.  Of course, these just returned since they were not completely cleaned out. Any help is appreciated.  Thanks, Vicki

Answer
Hi Vicki!  Are you sure that these are cysts and not boils?  This could be caused by some sort of an allergy.  More often than not, allergies are caused by food.  You may want to try a holistic dog food like Solid Gold Hunden Flocken.
Does he have fleas?  Flea allergies can also cause these types of symptoms.  If he is not on any flea prevention, you may want to pick up some Frontline Plus at your veterinarian.  Store bought flea preventions can cause many serious reactions.
Do you get him groomed?  He may be having a reaction to the shampoo he is being washed with.
The best treatment would be antibiotic ointment, but if this is an allergy related problem, you may want to have him on a steroid therapy, as this will prevent these sores.
You may also want to schedule a vet appointment to have these sores checked out.
I wish I could be of more help.
Please keep me posted as to how he does,
Hilary