TL;DR: Most eyelid growths in dogs are benign meibomian gland tumors, but you should schedule a veterinary appointment to ensure the mass is not irritating the eye or growing rapidly.
What is a growth on my dog's eyelid margin?
Finding a new bump on your dog's eyelid can be concerning. Most commonly, these are meibomian gland tumors, which are benign growths arising from the oil-producing glands of the eyelid. Other possibilities include papillomas (warts), chalazions (clogged glands), or, in rarer cases, malignant tumors. While many of these growths are slow-growing and non-cancerous, they can still cause physical irritation to the eye's surface.
How urgent is it if I find a growth on my dog's eyelid?
- Urgency is typically low if your dog is acting normally and the eye remains clear.
- Schedule a routine veterinary appointment to have the mass evaluated professionally.
- Seek veterinary care more urgently if you notice eye redness, squinting, or thick discharge, as these signs suggest the growth may be scratching the cornea.
How does taking a photo of the growth help my veterinarian triage the case?
- A clear, close-up photo allows a veterinary professional to assess the texture, color, and exact position of the mass relative to the eyeball.
- Establishing a baseline photo helps your vet determine if the mass is growing rapidly or changing over time.
- High-quality images help your veterinarian decide if surgical intervention is necessary to protect the surface of the eye.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
In dogs, growth on the eyelid margin may be due to various neoplasms, most commonly adenomas. While Meibomian (sebaceous) adenocarcinomas are locally invasive and histologically malignant, they are not known to metastasize. Lid melanomas, presenting as spreading pigmented masses on the eyelid margin or within the lid, should be widely excised. Other frequent eyelid neoplasms include histiocytoma, mastocytoma, and papilloma, and biopsy may be required to determine the best treatment and prognosis. Orbital neoplasms can also manifest with conjunctival and eyelid swelling. Due to the possibility of recurrence, periodic re-examinations are recommended following excision of eyelid or conjunctival neoplasms.
Chapter: Ophthalmology, Dermatology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 490)