Eyelid Tumors In Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, & The Removal Methods

Eyelid tumors’ growth is very common in old-age dogs. In most cases, the masses are benign and less aggressive. However, if not taken care of early, they can proliferate to the surrounding tissues and nerves. In dogs, tumors may arise from the meibomian gland, adenomas, melanocytomas, or papillomas. Those from meibomian glands are localized and do not affect the other parts of the eye. Excessive tear production because of cornea rubbing is the major complication of benign eyelid tumors. There are very few chances of malignant or cancerous tumors.

However, in both cases, removing the masses is necessary to avoid blindness or vision loss of the pet. There are several methods to remove eyelid tumors that depend upon many factors. For example, dog species, size of the mass, duration of the problem, speed of growth, the ability of the patient to blink fully, and evidence of local irritation decide which procedure is more effective to remove eyelid tumors in dogs.

Cause of Eyelid Tumors in Dogs

The exact cause of eyelids tumors in pets, especially dogs, is unknown. However, studies reveal that some breeds are more vulnerable to these tumors. Genetics or trauma can be the reason for this disorder. Rupture of some glands such as meibomian may cause forming cyst on dog’s eyelid that will result in a tumor if not removed at an early stage. Dachshund, Bloodhound, Cocker Spaniel, and Bulldog breeds are more prone to eyelid tumors.

Symptoms Of Eyelid Tumor 

The affected eye of the dog shows different symptoms when it is suffering from an eyelid tumor. There can be only one or two symptoms. Sometimes veterinary doctor gets to observe all the symptoms regarding the disorder. Effective diagnosis also helps find the symptoms of eyelid tumors in dogs. The common symptoms of this disorder include the presence of a mass on the eyelid, abnormal protrusion of the eyeball, eyelid swelling, and conjunctiva swelling. Other observable symptoms are eye misalignment or cross-eye, inflamed cornea, tear staining, and chronic eye infections.

Methods Used To Remove Eyelid Tumor In Dogs

The method used to remove the tumor depends on the dog’s breed, age, tumor condition, and other relevant factors. All procedures follow a proper ophthalmic examination of the pet’s affected eye. Diagnosis includes examining the interior structures of the eyes with an ophthalmoscope and measuring the intraocular pressures with a tonometer. Veterinarian picks up method according to the diagnostic results.

Surgical removal is the most recommended method to remove eyelids tumors in dogs. Veterinarian ophthalmologist uses a scalpel or laser to carry out the procedure.
With large eyelid tumors, veterinarian surgeons prefer reconstructive surgical skin techniques. This method helps preserve adequate protection of the eye after removing the masses.

• Medical therapy is preferred for small tumors, as these tumors are responsive to locally injected corticosteroids.
• Lymphosarcoma of the eyelid requires chemotherapy, as this tumor can spread to the other parts of the eye, causing eye cancer.
• Cryotherapy is another effective technique that helps freeze the tumor. However, this treatment method is not valuable for all kinds of tumors.
• In more aggressive cases, veterinary surgeons remove the entire eye of the pet and close it with sutures to avoid further damage.
• If the base of the tumor is above 33% of the total length of the eyelid, surgeons prefer reconstructive blepharoplasty. This technique is also helpful in removing eyelids when there is too much tension at the primary closure site. In addition, it is an advanced procedure to treat eyelid tumors in dogs.

Complications Of Eyelid Removal

Treatment of eye disorders is a necessary procedure. However, many complications can arise during or after eyelid tumor removal in dogs. Bruising, excessive bleeding, and cornea damage are the most common risks during the procedure. In most cases, the pet gets depressed after the surgery, which affects its overall health. In addition, pain causes restlessness and discomforts that can delay the healing process.

Recovery of Eyelid Tumor Surgery In Dogs

The entire area around the eye remains swollen and closed for a few days after surgery. It usually takes 7 to 14 days to heal the eyelid. The dog must wear the cone or Elizabethan collar for 10 to 14 days following treatment. Do not get late to visit your veterinary surgeon if you observe prolonged swelling, bleeding, or drainage from the eye of your dog. Follow medications and pre-operative precautions to help your dog recover quickly. Keep visiting your veterinarian regularly after the surgery to avoid any risks or complications.

To Conclude

Eyelid tumors in dogs are usually benign and can be fixed easily with surgery. However, taking care of it early can help manage the condition. Do not follow any method of removing the eyelid tumor of your dogs without the veterinarians' recommendation.