1. Eyelid Tumors
By Emily Thielke

2. Eyelid Neoplasm or eyelid tumors are found in both cats and dogs but mostly in older dogs
Some breeds that are
predisposed to eyelid
masses include:
Poodles
Labrador Retrievers
Cocker Spaniel
Samoyed
Siberian Husky
Cock-a-poo
Alaskan Malamute
Cairn Terrier
Dachshund
Shih Tzu
Basset Hounds

3. Canine Eyelid Neoplasm
Usually benign
May be based on clinical appearance
Often originate from the glands located within the eyelid margin

4. Meibomian (sebaceous) Adenoma
Most common in dogs
It rises from the meibomian gland and found near the meibomian orifice
Can be confused with sebaceous hyperplasias

5. Symptoms Elevated, nodular masses and are usually 2-5 mm in diameter
May appear black or brown but often appear as yellowish or tan on cut section
May exhibit alopecia, hyperpigmentation and ulceration with secondary infection
May be itchy and inflamed

6. Other less common Eyelid Tumors in Dogs
Melanoma
Papilloma
Histiocytoma

7. Dx and Tx
Fine needle aspiration with cytology followed by histopathology and tissue biopsy are often used to confirm what kind of tumor we are dealing with
Surgery is often recommended to remove the eyelid tumor however they may reoccur more than once

8. Feline Eyelid Neoplasm
Less common in cats but are often more malignant
Not all masses of the eyelids are tumors though. Some are fungal infections and others can be inflammation

9. Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Most common
Commonly found in cats with white or pink eyelids
Common in outdoor cats with prolonged sun exposure

10. Symptoms Ulcerated and reddened area on eyelid margin
Excessive tearing
Mucoid or pus-like discharge from the eye
Cloudiness, bluish haze or film covering the cornea
Frequent pawing or rubbing of the eye
Increased blinking or squinting of the eyelids

11. Other Eyelid Tumors in Cats
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Fibrosarcoma
Mast cell tumor

12. Dx Complete medical history and physical examination
Complete ophthalmic examination
Fluorescein staining of the cornea
Bacterial culture of secretions from the eye
Fungal culture and cytology
Fine needle aspirate
Tissue biopsy
Chest X-rays to look for possible spread of the tumor

13. Tx
Surgical removal
Surgical reconstructive techniques to preserve protection of the eye
Small mast cell tumors may respond to systemic corticosteroids or locally injected corticosteroids
Cryotherapy, freezing of the tumor
If large enough, may also involve removal of the eye

14. Indications for Surgery
An eyelid mass should be removed :
The mass becomes too large
Concern about malignancy
Corneal or Conjunctival irritation
The patient is traumatizing the mass
Also the owner may just want it removed for cosmetic purposes

15. Procedure The patient is placed in sternal or lateral recumbency
Specialized eye drapes are used ( precut hole placed over the eye and secured in place with towel clamps)
Surgically clip the surrounding area and scrub
Flush eye with saline to remove any debris

16. Surgical Supplies Bishop-Harman forceps Chalazion Forceps
Jaegar Lid Plate
Stevens Tonotomy Scissors
Needle Holders

17. Options : Wedge Resection
Chalazion forceps or Jaeger lid plate are used for stabilization
A full thickness incision is made using a sharp dissection
The incision is then closed using two layers

18. CVT's Role
Our role in this procedure is mostly client education other than handing the tools to the DVM, assisting as the scrub nurse during the procedure or taking vitals
Important issues to address to the client would be :
Eyelid tumors can reoccur multiple times
Monitoring their activity so as to not open the incision
Monitor incision for infection and keep it clean
Use of an Elizabethan collar may be needed to keep the animal from causing more trauma to the eye
Follow up appointments are necessary

19. However, there is nothing we can tell the owner for prevention purposes, unless we get to educate them on the breed of dog they choose, and even then it can still happen in breeds that are not predisposed to eyelid tumors
Educating them on how to care for their animal after the treatment plan is about all we can do.

20. Referances
Canine Cancer: Sebaceous and Modified Sebaceous Gland Tumors Artical from National Canine Cancer Foundation (2010) Retrieved on from library.html Eyelid Tumors in Dogs By: Dr. Noelle McNabb ( ) Retrieved on from Eyelid Tumors in Cats By: Dr. Noelle McNabb ( ) Retrieved on from Small Animal Surgical Nursing Skills and Concepts by: Sara J. Busch (2006 Mosby Inc) Retrieved on from Chapter 7 Specific Procedures Ophthalmic Procedures Pages