How much does cyst removal cost for dogs?
How much does cyst removal cost for dogs?
$250 – $500 average cost to remove a simple sebaceous cyst
$500 – $1,500 average cost to remove a complex sebaceous cyst
Average cost of dog sebaceous cyst removal
Dog sebaceous cyst removal costs $250 to $500 for simple cysts. Surgical intervention for cysts that have caused inflammation, infection, or scars costs $500 to $1,500. Other types like infiltrative lipomas, mast cell, mammary, or eyelid cysts cost $450 to $2,100 or more, depending on surgical complexity.
| Cyst type | Average removal cost |
|---|---|
| Simple sebaceous cyst | $250 – $500 |
| Complex sebaceous cyst | $500 – $1,500 |
| Follicular cyst | $250 – $1,000 |
| Lipoma (fatty cyst) | $250 – $700 |
| Infiltrative lipoma | $1,000 – $1,800 |
| Mast cell | $450 – $2,100 |
| Mammary | $700 – $1,800 |
| Eyelid | $500 – $1,200 |
Sebaceous cyst removal in dogs
Sebaceous cysts are the most common type found in dogs, with removal costs ranging from $250 to $1,500 depending on the complexity of the procedure. These benign, fluid-filled sacs form when sebaceous glands become clogged, often appearing as small, bluish, round bumps on the head, neck, back, or upper legs.
Treatment options vary based on the cyst's size and condition:
Monitoring: If the cyst is small and not causing issues, your vet might recommend observation.
Drainage: In some cases, vets may opt to drain the cyst, especially if infected.
Surgical excision: The most effective method involves complete removal of the cyst.
Never squeeze these cysts at home, as this can lead to infection or inflammation. Always consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Follicular cyst removal
Follicular cysts are benign skin growths that occur when hair follicles become blocked. These small, round bumps are commonly found on a dog's head, neck, and legs. Most follicular cysts are harmless and do not require intervention.
However, cysts that become large, infected, or cause discomfort may need surgical removal, which costs $250 for a simple cyst removal to $1,000 for more complex cases. The process involves local anesthesia and precise surgical excision.
Lipoma removal
Lipomas are a common benign fatty tumor in dogs found beneath the skin. While many lipomas don't require removal, some may cause discomfort or mobility issues. Simple lipoma removal costs $250 to $700 for non-infiltrative tumors located directly below the skin.
Infiltrative or complex lipomas, found in muscle layers or deep tissues, are more challenging to remove, with costs starting at $1,000 and potentially exceeding $1,800.
Mast cell tumor removal
Unlike benign growths like cysts and lipomas, malignant mast cell tumors (MCTs) are the most common skin cancer in dogs. Mast cell tumor removal for dogs costs $450 to $2,100 or more, depending on factors such as tumor size, location, and grade.
Surgery involves removing the mast cell tumor along with a wide margin of healthy tissue surrounding it, aiming to ensure the vet eliminates all cancer cells. For high-grade tumors, additional therapies may be necessary. Dog chemotherapy costs $150 to $600 per dose or $3,000 to $10,000 for a full course of treatment.
Mammary cyst removal
Mammary tumors are common in female dogs, especially those not spayed. Surgery is the primary treatment and costs $700 to $1,800. Depending on the tumor size, location, and number of affected glands, the surgeon may remove a single small lump (lumpectomy) or perform an extensive mastectomy involving multiple mammary glands.
Approximately 50% of mammary tumors in dogs are benign (non-cancerous), while the other 50% are malignant (cancerous).
For malignant tumors, the vet may recommend additional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Spaying the dog during the same procedure can reduce the risk of future mammary tumors.
Eyelid cyst removal
Eyelid cysts are common lumps that appear on a dog's eyelid, usually in older dogs. Removing them takes 15 to 20 minutes and costs $500 and $1,200. These small, round bumps form when oil glands get blocked and can look slightly bluish.
The cysts can be chalazion (blocked oil glands), styes (infected glands), or tumors like meibomian gland adenomas. Small, painless cysts might just be monitored, while larger or uncomfortable ones could require medication or surgical removal.
Surgical removal involves:
Local anesthesia
Small incision on the inner eyelid
Removal of cyst content
Antibiotic ointment application
Most dogs recover quickly and return to normal activities within a few days.
Dog cyst removal cost factors
Several factors can influence the cost of cyst removal in dogs:
Cyst type: Different cysts (e.g., sebaceous cysts, follicular cysts, or eyelid cysts) may require specific removal techniques, affecting the cost.
Cyst size: Smaller cysts are easier to remove, while larger cysts are often more complex and costly.
Cyst location: Cysts in easy-to-access areas are less expensive, while those in complex or hard-to-reach locations increase surgical difficulty and cost.
Anesthesia: The type and duration of anesthesia can affect surgical costs.
Dog's size: Larger dogs require more anesthesia, which increases the overall surgical expense.
Veterinarian: A veterinary specialist or surgeon will charge more than a general practitioner, depending on the cyst's complexity.
Post-surgical care: Medications, follow-up visits, and recovery items like cones can add $50 to $300 to the total expense.
Dog cyst vs. tumor
A cyst is normally a fluid-filled sac, while a tumor is an abnormal growth of solid tissue. Visually examining a lump on a dog isn't enough to determine if it's a cyst or tumor in most cases. Vets often use a combination of these methods to diagnose an abnormal growth:
Clinical examination: The vet thoroughly inspects the lump, noting its size, location, and characteristics.
Fine needle aspiration (FNA): The first method of evaluating the cyst tissues is often a fine needle aspiration. FNA costs $50 to $200 to use a small needle to collect cell samples for microscopic examination.
Biopsy: If the FNA results are inconclusive or a more definitive diagnosis is needed, a biopsy costs $100 to $500 or more for vets to remove a piece of the growth and have it analyzed in a laboratory.
Bloodwork: Blood tests cost $100 to $200 and may be performed to check for underlying health issues or to prepare for anesthesia if surgery is needed.
Imaging: A vet may use diagnostic imaging to get a better look at the mass.
Dog X-rays cost $150 to $250 per image to help detect tumor spread.
A dog ultrasound costs $300 to $600 to determine if a mass is solid or fluid-filled.
A dog CT scan costs $1,500 to $2,000 and is useful for examining complex areas like the skull or spine.
A dog MRI costs $2,500 to $3,500+ and is useful for imaging brain cysts or tumors.
Dog cyst removal FAQs
Do dog cysts need to be removed?
Not all dog cysts require removal. You may just have to monitor a small, asymptomatic cyst. Removal becomes necessary if the cyst is large, infected, or interferes with the dog's comfort. A veterinarian can best determine whether it requires surgical intervention.
Can I remove my dog's cyst at home?
Never attempt to remove a dog's cyst at home. DIY removal risks infection, inflammation, and complications. Squeezing or rupturing a cyst can spread harmful contents deeper into tissue. Always consult a veterinarian for treatment.
Does pet insurance cover cyst removal?
Most pet insurance plans cover medically necessary cyst removal. Coverage depends on policy specifics, the cyst's nature, and whether it's related to a pre-existing condition. Review your policy or contact your insurance provider for precise details about the costs your pet insurance may cover.
What is the difference between true and false cysts?
True cysts have an epithelial lining that secretes fluid, often forming in glands. They appear translucent or bluish. False cysts are dark-colored, lack an epithelial lining, and contain liquefied dead tissue or blood from an injury. True cysts usually require complete removal, while false cysts may resolve on their own.
Questions to ask your vet about dog cyst removal
When considering dog cyst removal, ask your veterinarian these important questions:
Is removal necessary, or can we monitor the cyst?
What type of cyst is it, and how was it diagnosed?
What are the treatment options besides surgery?
What's the surgical procedure like, and what are the risks?
How much will the surgery cost?
What's the recovery process and expected outcome?
How will you manage my dog's pain during and after surgery?
What follow-up care will my dog need?
Given my dog's age and health, is surgery the best option?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.