I need your advice... knowledge.....

[avoncallingu]

My 9 yr. old mini poodle has developed several "sebacious cysts" as the vet calls them or "warts" as the groomer calls them. Vet says, "They're ok, just leave them alone."

Well he has started to lick the one on his knee until it is quite sore. I am hoping there is some kind of "yucky" tasting but harmless stuff that I can put on it that will discourage him from doing this. He certainly gets VERY growly when I try to look at it or another rather large one that he has. These 2 are about a cm in diameter.

On the other hand, I did read on a pet post that sometimes dogs lick at themselves because they are hurting.

Any expertise or experience or suggestions appreciated.

Thanks in advance folks!

[MortgageQueen]

Try a tea tree oil on it. If that's too stinky, you can mix it witha little vaseline to water down the smell.
Preferrably pure though as it will act as a disinfectant/topical antibiotic in case he's irritated it. Keep us posted.

[avoncallingu]

Thanks, Mortgage Queen. I went to get some Tea Tree Oil today, but on reading the labels of 3 different kind, they all said to "avoid mucus membranes" so I'm not sure I want him licking it.
Remember how we used to have some yucky flavoured nail polish to put on to stop us from biting our nails? I'm hoping there's something like that available.
DH is leaning towards taking him to the vet, but I know that although he has said to leave it alone, his exception was "unless he "bothers" with it."
Well, I know that it will mean surgery, antibiotics, anaesthesia (because he FREAKS at the vets) and then he will still have something there (the sore that has been cut or stitched etc.) to "bother with". And it may not be any better in the long run. I'm just wondering why he is "bothering" with this one. He has others that he could reach.

[thriftygranny]

Our lab had a large cyst on the front leg/knee area and it was bothering her, we had to have it removed and it was a pita because it was on a joint and the stitches came loose and then the licking resulting in the cone of shame.They can get inflamed and sore and then they can drain this god awful smelly stuff. Maybe try a warm compress to see if it will discharge any fluid.Usually if it is inflamed pup will just need some antibiotcs

[miztia]

How about a doggy bandaid wrap? I have no idea where to get them other than the vet. It sticks to itself, but not the fur. When mine had stitches, her paw got wrapped and she left it alone. Without it, she constantly licked it.
I tried to find the same at SDM with no luck, but they must be available somewhere.

[avoncallingu]

Thanks, everyone! He sure didn't like the "cone of shame" when he was "fixed." I think I'll phone the vet tomorrow. The bandaid thing sounds good. Thanks thriftygranny and miztia.

[abbasgirl]

There is something for pets that tastes awful. I don't know what it's called, but I've used it in the past for my cats. It's supposed to prevent them from chewing plants, etc. I also don't know if it's safe to apply directly to the skin. I'm sure a large pet store would have it!

[thriftygranny]

How about a doggy bandaid wrap? I have no idea where to get them other than the vet. It sticks to itself, but not the fur. When mine had stitches, her paw got wrapped and she left it alone. Without it, she constantly licked it.
I tried to find the same at SDM with no luck, but they must be available somewhere.

It is called pro wrap in the sports world!! they carry it at most sports stores, my girls played soccer and it is great to wrap anything. I found some in the band-aid section at Shoppers as well but it is cheaper at Sports stores, not sure is you have Eurosport.

[MortgageQueen]

Thanks, Mortgage Queen. I went to get some Tea Tree Oil today, but on reading the labels of 3 different kind, they all said to "avoid mucus membranes" so I'm not sure I want him licking it.
Remember how we used to have some yucky flavoured nail polish to put on to stop us from biting our nails? I'm hoping there's something like that available.
DH is leaning towards taking him to the vet, but I know that although he has said to leave it alone, his exception was "unless he "bothers" with it."
Well, I know that it will mean surgery, antibiotics, anaesthesia (because he FREAKS at the vets) and then he will still have something there (the sore that has been cut or stitched etc.) to "bother with". And it may not be any better in the long run. I'm just wondering why he is "bothering" with this one. He has others that he could reach.

You know sometimes you have to listen to your gut. If you think it's more than a small irritation, talk to the vet. Sometimes we have to observe and react to our pets signals. Perhaps it's worth the hassle to get that particular one removed (and tested!!)

In regards to the tea tree oil, you could do a test first but it's extremely unlikely your guy would even come close to licking it. . .too gross.

[abbasgirl]

The thing about tea tree oil is that, like all essential oils, it's extremely concentrated and can be toxic if ingested. I haven't heard anything about dogs, but there have been cases of cats getting extremely sick just by having it absorb into their skin. So be careful with it. Just because it's natural and has a lot of great uses, doesn't mean it's safe for everything.

[Lynn49]

Avon, I have to agree with MQ....something is not right, and it's time for a vet to take a peek at it. Just putting a bandage on a possible infected area is just asking for more and bigger problems. Let us know what transpires, and give "my" Maxx a big hug from me....

[avoncallingu]

Well, Jesse just got back from the vet's office. They won't let ME alone just take him but since his "Alpha Dog" my dh took him, he didn't even need a muzzle. Although he is calmer with the male Dr. When he made his first visit, 3 "student" female vet assistants tried to give him needles and screwed it up twice - hence his attitude towards the female drs and attendants there. AND he only "bit" the male dr. once! Didn't break the skin.

The dr. was concerned that this cyst had changed colour but agreed to a less invasive dose of corticosteroids along with "Grannick's bitter apple" spray which will prevent him from licking at it. He will go back in 2 weeks to see if it has done any good.

You put the cream on it and then "keep him busy" for 10 minutes - so we will go for a walk. We just got back and now I'll give him the "spray". We'll see how this works. Thanks for all your suggestions folks - I'll keep you informed.

MAX and I spent the hour while "Daddy" and "Jesse" were away in the basement organizing things and also standing with our nose close to the door. I wonder if you can guess who did which? LOL!

[Lynn49]

Well, Jesse just got back from the vet's office. They won't let ME alone just take him but since his "Alpha Dog" my dh took him, he didn't even need a muzzle. Although he is calmer with the male Dr. When he made his first visit, 3 "student" female vet assistants tried to give him needles and screwed it up twice - hence his attitude towards the female drs and attendants there. AND he only "bit" the male dr. once! Didn't break the skin.

The dr. was concerned that this cyst had changed colour but agreed to a less invasive dose of corticosteroids along with "Grannick's bitter apple" spray which will prevent him from licking at it. He will go back in 2 weeks to see if it has done any good.

You put the cream on it and then "keep him busy" for 10 minutes - so we will go for a walk. We just got back and now I'll give him the "spray". We'll see how this works. Thanks for all your suggestions folks - I'll keep you informed.

MAX and I spent the hour while "Daddy" and "Jesse" were away in the basement organizing things and also standing with our nose close to the door. I wonder if you can guess who did which? LOL!

Well of course YOU had your nose to the door, Avon! You were anxiously waiting word on how Jesse was!
I sure hope the drugs and spray work Hon...keep us posted, okay? Hugs to both your little critters!

[MortgageQueen]

Keep us posted Avon. Hopefully the drug works and lick-free days ahead.

[avoncallingu]

Well, he sure does HATE that spray! Has a mini-fit - rubbing his nose on the mat and "snuffling" but he has NOT been "bothering" with his leg. Fingers crossed! Thanks for all your concern!