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My dog has a growth under her eyelid. Is it a cyst? What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 11 years and 10 months old

Hi my dog has this under her eye lid I was wondering if you could tell me what it is and what should I do about it she had a operation and couple of years ago on her eye lid to remove a growth I don't know if it's got anythink to do with that. Thank you

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on January 18th, 2018

It is difficult to say for sure without seeing it in person but it looks like a meibomian gland cyst. They have small gland along their eyelids that will get clogged and form these which resemble tumors. If she previously had one removed in this area, this could be that one growing back or a different one. If it isn't causing her eye to be irritated, red, or to squint then you could just watch it. If it is growing or irritated her eye or if you are unsure, I would have your vet take a look at it. It is always easier for a vet to remove it while it is small than waiting until it becomes really large. I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 14th, 2020
Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Without seeing it myself it is hard to say for sure what it may be. However, in middle aged to older dogs, eyelid masses are quite common. We call these meibomian gland cysts. If the cyst is becoming larger, bleeding or bother Chester, then you can choose to have the cyst removed by a veterinarian. I would recommend having Chester looked at by a veterinarian to help make the best determination on what this is and what the next steps should be. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 16th, 2020
Hello. This is an eyelid tumor, & should be removed. If you really trust your veterinarian, then this should be OK to leave for another few weeks, but if you are really worried about its growth, then there is no reason to put things off, if you can find someone to look at this sooner. We certainly do not want these things to get huge, so if the tumor is not bothering Honey too much, just use your best judgement. It is not an emergency to have or these removed, but you do not want to wait months to get an appointment. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 11th, 2020
Hello. This might be an infected/inflamed gland in the eyelid. There are several different type of glands present in the lids. This might also be a reaction to an ingrown eyelash or cilia. We can also see some forms of benign & malignant tumors in & around the eye. This will require an examination by your veterinarian to diagnose exactly what this might be. Try to do so at your earliest convenience in case your pet is in some discomfort from this. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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