Lumps/Abscesses/Cysts on dogs back

Question
My dog has developed various sized lumps all over her body, mainly her back and hind legs.  These are very large lumps, some bigger than golf ball-sized and are quite hard.  The vet thought they were "fat pockets" or "pimples".  She has had these for at least 3 years but we have noticed more in the past few months.  This morning, one of the cysts apparently ruptured and there is some blood and a cheesey like secretion oozing out.  I have washed it with hydrogen peroxide and am wondering if I should go back to the vet to have these other lumps drained/biopsied or something.  Any suggestions as to what they might be?  Should we be worried?  Our dog is a Golden Retriever/ Black Lab mix and has always had a sensitive stomach and various other skin problems i.e. rashes, ear mites, etc.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Heather :-)

I have a similar problem with my 10 year old Dog. I too was told by my Vet that it is cysts and "old age warts" and nothing to worry about.

I haven't had any problems with my Dogs warts unless he bits them off, then I need to take him to Vet because he is quite prone to infections.

But based on what you said, you are doing everything correctly. Use the Hydrogen peroxide sparingly because this can aggravate any present skin conditions and sometimes cause a rash which will take a few weeks to heal up.

Unfortunately there is no cream you can apply in this situation unless the lump/wart/pimple should become infected or weeping. If this should happen then purchase some Daktacort Cream from your Pharmacist and this will help clear up any infection or bacteria present.

But because of the change in the amount of warts and the cyst rupturing, I would take your Dog to the Vet for a Biopsy to see what is going on. Its most likely nothing serious as it does sound old age related but it best to always air on the side of caution when growths appear on the skin.

Take care & all the best & please leave me a comment.

Trisha x