german shepherd question ?

[saintlysinner :-)]

i have a gsd who will be 4 in june, she has always had skin problems ( we have had skin test's and done food allergy tests, but nothing is showing as an obvious problem ?? ) we believe it is linked to being outside in the grass ?

but one concern i have is that she keeps getting a reaccuring spot, ( like a teenage spot ) on her shoulder.... we have spoken to the vet and she is given antibiotics each time we visit....but after a few days of antibiotics finishing the spot re-appears, i have started squeezing the spot, and each time a load of white'ish stuff comes out, the area will go down, but with-in 2-3 days the spot is back ??? any ideas as my vet cannot understand why it keeps re-appearing...and it does not seem to be associated with her present skin problem, my dog Lily does not seem bothered by the spot...but it swells up and is very noticeable to the touch when petting her !! vet has taken samples of the goo that comes out,and has gotten it tested... but has informed me it's nothing to worry about, which is reassuring, but am still curious if anyone else has had this problem ??

[Ron Tao&Sky]

It sounds like a Sebaceous Cyst...........Ron

Sebaceous cysts are interesting structures.

All pores and hair follicles in the skin are surrounded by microscopic oil glands. These glands produce the oil that makes our pets’ hair (and our own hair) shiny, as well as producing a protective and moisturizing layer for the hair and skin. This oil is called sebum.

Sebaceous cysts occur when a normal pore or hair follicle becomes occluded. Occlusion can occur from dirt, infection, scar tissue or even normal sebum that becomes too thick to move out of the pore’s opening.

As long as the cysts are small, closed and intact they cause no problems.

Sebaceous cysts become problematic when they burst and become open to the outside world again. Frequently then they become infected and must be removed surgically. Surgical removal becomes necessary when the cyst will not heal with topical and systemic antibiotics.

Sebaceous cysts may also rupture under the skin and spill their oily contents into the surrounding tissues. The result is an intense inflammation causing a red, itchy area the pet is likely to lick, scratch and rub. These lesions may even be confused with a lick granuloma because both are highly inflamed and very itchy.

Early sebaceous cysts are usually white, raised and quiet-looking. As long as they stay in this phase they require no medical treatment.

It is when complications occur and they become inflamed that medical and/or surgical attention is needed for sebaceous cysts.

[sutsibe]

That's the thought that had occurred to me, as well. I've seen them several times while working for my current vet, as well as a vet I worked for a number of years ago - they're not uncommon. Sounds like having it removed surgically might be a pretty good solution, especially if your dog needs anything else done that would require anesthesia, such as perhaps having her teeth cleaned...