Eyelid Tumors in Dogs

What is an eyelid tumor?

Eyelid tumors are growths arising from the eyelid, often resembling a wart, and are usually seen in dogs over 10 years of age.

Tumor. So is it malignant?

No. About 90% of eyelid tumors in dogs are benign. This means they generally do not spread (metastasize) to other organs. However, a definitive diagnosis can only be made through histopathological examination after removal.

Do eyelid tumors cause pain?

Eyelid tumors continuously irritate the surface of the eye, so dogs usually show increased tearing, squinting, or scratching of the affected eye.

What is the recommended treatment?

It is advisable to remove eyelid tumors as soon as possible. First, because the ongoing irritation can lead to the formation of a corneal ulcer. Second, tumors grow over time, and the larger they get, the harder they are to remove.

How does the surgery work, and what should I watch for afterward?

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The fur in the affected area is shaved, the area is prepared for surgery, and then the tumor is removed. For small tumors, this takes about half an hour.

The wound edges are closed with fine sutures, so it is very important that your dog wears an Elizabethan collar for 10 days after surgery.

In addition to the collar, your dog will receive antibiotic eye ointment 3 times daily, as well as pain relief. Suture removal takes place 10–14 days after surgery.