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A Soft Neck Lump That Drains Clear, Watery Fluid

by Steve

Reader Question
I haven't seen an article anywhere that describes the cyst that my Bernese Mountain dog has, I noticed a soft lump the size of a lemon on his neck. I brought him to the vet and when the vet stuck a small syringe in, crystal clear fluid came out, he then stuck a large syringe in and withdrew all the fluid. I was amazed at how clear the fluid was, it looked like water!. The vet said it was nothing to be concerned about and that it will probably return and if so to

bring him back to have it drained again. He didn't tell me the name of this type of cyst and I can't find anything online that describes it. The cyst did return, only this time I took matters into my own hands. With surgical gloves on and the area shaved, I punctured it with a sterilized instrument and it exploded with what is best described as water. There was no blood and once it drained out, it left a small puncture wound that I cleaned and bandaged with some antibiotic cream and he was fine during the whole process. I assume it will just continue to return unless I bring him to the vet to get the "sac" surgically removed. I can't even imagine the cost of such a senseless surgery. Is it ok for me to continue this process when I feel it is getting way too large? As I said, I did all of it in a sterile environment and used a whole lot of paper towels to wipe the
flood of water that came out onto the kitchen floor! LOL

WHAT IS THE NAME OF THIS TYPE OF CYST?


Answer from Our Team

We can't name it for certain without the lab results, but a soft lump that fills with clear, watery fluid and comes back after draining is often a fluid-filled cyst, such as an apocrine (sweat gland) cyst, or a seroma, which is a pocket of fluid under the skin. These are usually harmless. Your vet can tell you more by looking at a drop of the fluid under the microscope, and it's fair to ask what they think it is.

We'd strongly suggest not draining it yourself again. Even with gloves and careful cleaning, a puncture at home can let bacteria in and turn a harmless cyst into an abscess. The neck also has important blood vessels and glands, and some lumps in this area, such as a salivary gland cyst, need a different treatment.

These cysts refill because the lining (the sac) is still there and keeps making fluid. Removing the whole sac usually stops it for good, and for a simple cyst it's often a short procedure. Ask your vet for an estimate. It may cost less than you expect, especially compared with treating an infection later. Have it checked sooner if it grows quickly, becomes red, hot or painful, or the fluid turns cloudy, bloody or smelly. If cost is a worry, ask your vet about a payment plan, or look for a low-cost clinic, humane society clinic or veterinary school near you.

See cysts on dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.

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