Eyelid Tumors in Dogs

The function of the eyelids is merely to protect the eye from local injury. Though their function is simple the anatomy of the eyelid is complicated and is made up of layers of skin, muscle and mucus membrane. The tissues integrate nerves and blood vessels, oil glands, hair roots and secondary tear glands. All of these tissues are susceptible to injury, infection and benign or deadly tumors.

Kinds of growths

Tumors of the eyelid are the most common growths of the eye associated tissues and can stem from any of the tissues of the cover. Adenomas (benign tumor) and adenocarcinomas (gland cancer) of the oil glands are the most common.

Older dogs frequently develop eyelid tumors. Meibomian adenocarcinomas (glands), cancer malignancies and squamous cell cancers (skin) are malignant and are treated by broad surgical removal1. Other frequent eyelid tumors include:

- Histiocytoma (benign skin growth). - Mastocytoma (mast cell tumor). - Papilloma (benign epithelial tumor).

Fortunately, eyelid tumors in dogs, according to Pet Health are typically benign and do not spread to far-off tissues. Surgical elimination treatments most growths of the eyelid however total elimination in some cases can cause eyelid deformities1. Eyelid growths can become rather big and be very disfiguring. Unattended eyelid growths, even benign ones, can grow so big regarding interfere with eyelid function.

Eyelid growth treatment

Treatment consists of removal by surgery or by freezing with liquid nitrogen, which need to be performed faster than later.

Prognosis of eyelid tumors.

Surgical elimination or freezing are usually successful and recurrence of a private growth is not likely-- there is typically an 85-90% possibility of a growth not returning.

Prevention of eyelid tumors

The cause of many eyelid growths is unidentified however some, like squamous cell cancer, are related to excess direct exposure to sunlight. Some types appear to be inclined to the advancement of sebaceous (gland) growths. Though there might be no preventive procedures one can take, early treatment can avoid extreme issues and reduce the cost of treatment.

Because eyelid tumors happen frequently in older dogs, it is common for pet guardians to put things off-- "We will just watch it and see what happens." Sadly, as we wait, it is likely that the mass will grow and become more inflamed. As it grows it will become progressively harder to get rid of.

Article provided by AetaPet