Should I be worried if my dog has a bump
Theres a Bump on My Dogs Eye: Should I Worry? (Vet Answer)
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Learn moreImagine this: you are cuddling with your pup and casually move your hand to wipe away one of their eye boogers, but it doesnt budge. Upon closer inspection, you realize there is actually a bump on your dogs eyelid!
It is relatively common for dogs to get eyelid bumps, especially as they get older. Fortunately, though, even when the bumps are tumors, they are usually benign (i.e., not a type of cancer that spreads to other parts of the body).
In most cases you do not need to panic if you notice a bump on your pups eye, but it is still a good idea to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian promptly.
Keep reading to learn about some of the common types of eyelid bumps in dogs. To make things simple, they have each been given a worry level rating, based on the amount of intervention typically required and the prognosis for a complete cure.
What Are the Most Common Eyelid Bumps in Dogs?
There are many different types of eyelid bumps in dogs. We will discuss some of the most common ones, which we have grouped into inflammatory conditions and tumors.
Inflammatory Eyelid Bumps
1. Chalazion
A chalazion forms when a meibomian gland in the eyelid becomes blocked (often by a Meibomian gland tumor). The glands oily secretions become trapped and eventually leak out into the surrounding tissue, causing an inflammatory reaction. This results in the eyelid developing a localized swelling (i.e., bump).
Chalazia (plural) can grow quite large and are typically smooth and firm, but not painful. They are found on the inner surface of the eyelid (i.e., the part that touches the eye) and are usually yellowish in color. Surgery to remove the bump (and tumor, if there is one) should fix the problem.
Worry level: low to medium.
2. Hordeolum (Stye)
A hordeolum, more commonly referred to as a stye, is an inflamed eyelid gland. They may look similar to a chalazion but are tender when touched.
Treatment involves drainage of the affected gland(s), warm compresses, and antibiotic eye drops or ointment.
Worry level: low.
3. Blepharitis
The term blepharitis refers to inflammation of the eyelid(s). It can be caused by a variety of things, including:
- Infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal)
- Parasite infestations (e.g., Demodectic mange)
- Immune-mediated conditions (e.g., allergies, lupus, pemphigus)
Blepharitis may result in multiple eyelid bumps or swelling of the whole lid. Affected eyelid(s) appear red, irritated, and sores may be present.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, long-term management may be required (e.g., immune-mediated diseases, allergies).
Worry level: medium.
Eyelid Tumors
1. Meibomian gland adenoma
These are the most common eyelid tumors in dogs, usually affecting middle-aged and older dogs. They can be a variety of colors (commonly pink or gray) and typically have an irregular (i.e., bumpy) surface.
Even though they are benign, they can be bothersome if they grow quite large and irritate the eye. Surgery is often recommended and should cure the problem.
Worry level: medium.
2. Papillomas
These eyelid tumors, which are caused by a virus (canine papillomavirus), occur most commonly in young dogs. They are usually pink or white in color (although they can be more pigmented) and have an irregular surface that is often described as similar to a cauliflower.
In many cases, they simply disappear on their own within a few months, but surgical removal may be recommended if your pup or its eye(s) are irritated by the tumor.
Worry level: low.
3. Melanomas
Melanomas usually have a distinct black color and can arise from either the skin of the eyelid or the eyelid margin. They typically occur in older dogs. Despite the fact that they often invade their surrounding tissue quite aggressively, they do not tend to metastasize to other parts of the body.
Cryotherapy (freezing) and chemotherapy may be needed in addition to surgery to treat these tumors.
Worry level: medium.
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What Should I Do if I Find a Bump on My Dogs Eye?
It is always a good idea to have a new bump on your dogs eyelid checked out by your veterinarian to determine the best course of action.
You may simply be advised to monitor your pups eye closely but, in some cases, surgical removal of the bump might be recommended right away. If surgery is the plan, it should be performed sooner than later to offer the best chance for a cure and a cosmetic outcome.
How Are Eyelid Bumps Treated?
If the bump is small, suspected to be benign, and not causing any problems for your dog, your veterinarian may simply recommend watching for any changes. If you notice the bump growing or changing, schedule a recheck appointment to discuss whether to continue monitoring or consider a new plan (e.g., surgery).
Your veterinarian is likely to suggest surgery if the bump is:
- Growing quickly
- Bothering your pup (i.e., they are pawing at the affected eye)
- Negatively affecting the health of your dogs eye (i.e., impairing their ability to blink, rubbing on the cornea, causing irritation or infection)
Surgery usually involves making a wedge-shaped incision around the bump to include any portion extending deep into the eyelid. There is a better chance of removing the entire bump and achieving a cosmetic result if surgery is performed when the bump is still small. Eyelids do not have a lot of extra tissue to work with!
After the bump is removed, your veterinarian may offer you the option of sending it away for testing to obtain an exact diagnosis.
Conclusion
Finding a bump on your dogs eyelid can be scary, but luckily most of the common culprits do not pose a serious threat to your pups health. Despite this, it is a good idea to have the bump checked out sooner rather than later. Your veterinarian will help you decide whether you should consider surgery right away or adopt more of a wait-and-see approach.
Featured Image Credit: Oriohori Shutterstock
My Dog Has A Lump On Their Chest: Should I Be Worried? Vet Reviewed Advice
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Learn moreYoure petting your dog as usual when something beneath your fingertips makes you pause; a bump. Pushing back the fur, you notice a lump on your dogs chest. Immediately, your mind flies to the worst-case scenarios. Is it cancer? Something even worse?
Before jumping to terrifying conclusions, its important to know that lumps on the skin are a normal part of an aging dogs life. They also arent uncommon on younger dogs. Lumps on dogs chests arent always something to be worried about. However, some lumps are a sign of a serious condition.
It never hurts to have your dog checked out by a vet when concerned about their health. In this article, well examine why your dog may have a lump on their chest so you know when you should or shouldnt be concerned.
Benign Tumors vs Malignant Tumors
Lumps on your dogs body fall into two categories: benign or malignant. Benign lumps are not invasive and wont spread throughout the body. However, malignant tumors can invade and spread to other parts of the body.
Examples of Benign Tumors
If your dog has a benign tumor, there are plenty of things that could cause it. While not exhaustive, the list below contains some common benign tumors.
Lipoma
Lipomas are common on your dogs legs, flank and torso. They come from fat cells beneath the skin and typically develop in older dogs with weight management issues. Some lipomas can grow rather large, making them appear more worrying than they are. They can also manifest in multiple places.
No treatment is necessary for lipomas, but they should be diagnosed by your vet and then closely monitored. If they are causing an issue for your dog due to their size and location, surgery may be warranted.
Histiocytoma
Histiocytomas are benign skin growths that are usually pink and fleshy, with a button-like appearance. Typically, they occur in young puppies (3 years of age or less), but they can occur at any age. They tend to regress and vanish over time without treatment, although they may appear to become worse before they get better.
Papilloma
Papillomas are small, fleshy growths that appear like cauliflower. They are wart-like and caused by a viral infection. They are contagious, typically appearing around the mouth of young dogs. However, older dogs can also develop them on other parts of the body.
If you have multiple dogs in your home or make frequent trips to dog parks, your dog may have been contaminated by another dog, a toy, or an infected water bowl. Papillomas will usually disappear as a dogs immune system matures, but in some cases they can persist.
Basal Cell Tumors
Basal cell tumors typically develop on the head, neck, and forelimbs. Most basal cell tumors are benign, but 10% of them are malignant. The growths are usually firm, hairless and raised. Occasionally they may be cystic or ulcerate and can vary in size, from a few centimeters to a few inches in diameter.
Skin Tag
Skin tags are overgrowths of fibrous tissue in locations where a dogs skin frequently rubs together, or rubs on a hard surface. They are usually the same color as the skin, or a little but darker, and may appear more commonly in older dogs or certain breeds.
Examples of Malignant Tumors
Benign tumors can be scary at first glance, but typically, the treatment is straightforward, if any is needed at all. However, in the case of malignant tumors, recovery can be more challenging. Below are some examples of malignant tumors that may cause lumps on your dogs skin.
Mast Cell Tumors
Mast cell tumors are the most commonly seen malignant tumors in dogs. While they usually affect older dogs, they can impact dogs of any age and there are some breeds that are more predisposed than others. Mast cell tumors are growths that vary in appearance.
If they grow rapidly, they are more likely to spread to other parts of the body. They can be aggressive, and a prompt diagnosis and treatment are necessary.
Malignant Melanomas
Malignant melanomas are skin tumors that grow and spread rapidly. They manifest as raised, generally ulcerated nodules that are variable in color. They are most commonly seen in older dogs and are rare on haired skin. They are mostly seen on the nail beds or along the lips.
Fibrosarcomas
This is another reasonably common malignant tumor that results from the overgrowth of the connective tissue in the body. Most fibrosarcomas appear on the limbs and the trunk of the body, but they can occur in other locations too. They differ in appearance and size but are normally a single, firm lump under the skin. While they can invade the muscles and bones locally, they typically do not spread to other areas of the body. However, they can be painful, especially if they are on the limbs, so surgical removal, staging the spread of the cancer, and histopathology are recommended.
Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Squamous cell carcinomas are irregularly shaped, firm growths that typically arise in light-skinned areas. They vary hugely in appearance, depending on trauma to the area and the location of the tumor. They are more common in dogs that are sparsely haired and have light-colored coats. There is a link between UV exposure and this type of tumor, as there is in human medicine.
When Should You Be Concerned About a Lump?
If you find a new lump that hasnt before been checked by your vet, you should book you pup in for a check over. You never need a good reason to be concerned about your dogs health, and in the case of malignant tumors, catching them early can improve your dogs prognosis.
If the lump is firm, strangely shaped, or rapidly changing in size, texture, and color, you should have your dog examined as soon as possible. Even without these signs, taking your dog to the vet for a new lump is still a good call.
Final Thoughts
Finding a lump on your dogs body can be scary, but not all lumps are harmful. Many of them are benign and dont even need to be removed. If they are malignant, your vet can surgically remove them to stop the spread to other parts of the body. If youre concerned about your dogs health, dont delay getting help; the sooner your dog is treated, the better.
Featured Image Credit: vchal, Shutterstock
