Description
The atherom is a firm cluster of sebaceous skin glands, basicly characterizing a cyst of the subcutanious tissue.
Urgency
Danger
Course
Sebaceous cysts appear as small lumps on the skin. They usually grow to the size of a cherry. The surrounding skin usually shows no further signs. The lump feels hard and is immovable. In some cases, sebasceous cysts may cause itching which might cause actions that lead to acral lick dermatitis.
Cause
Epidermal cysts develop because of an occlusion of an excretory duct for the sebaceous gland secretion.
Therapy
Provided other types of a tumor can be excluded and the atheroma does not cause any disorders, it is left as it is. Otherwise, an atheroma needs to be removed surgically.
Emergency measures
If you noticed a suspicious skin lump on your dog, please call your veterinarian at next opportunity and agree upon a date within the next days or week.