My dog has a red tag-like growth on her eye. What should I do?

Hello. That looks like a small growth/tumor that originated in a tear-producing gland. Without an actual biopsy, we cannot say the exact type or if it is benign/malignant. However, the majority are Meibomian Gland Adenomas and typically are benign. They can bleed, cause inflammation or infection and, if large enough, can irritate or even scratch the cornea. They can be a nuisance. Monitor for squinting, pain, rubbing the eye or chronic discharge. Some need to be removed surgically. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

I am afraid that this red mass looks like a tumor or multicystic mass. This is definitely something that needs to be seen by a vet as it a) keeps your dog from closing his eye lid which can damage the eye to the point of losing vision (will dry out the cornea), and b), tumors can grow invasively, ie destroy the eye. Your vet will examine the mass, possibly take a little bit of tissue to examine under the microscope or send in to a pathology lab and then, depending on the findings, discuss treatment options, which could include removal of the mass alone (if possible), medication to remove it or make it shrink, or even removal of the eye. Please make an appointment with your veterinarian soon.

It may be a cyst or local infection/irritation. Monitor for rapid change or growth, discharge or bleeding as well as discomfort. Ideally, he can be examined by your veterinarian to diagnose the underlying cause and provide the appropriate treatment. If he is pawing or rubbing at it, place an e-collar (cone) on him until he sees the vet.

It definitely looks irritated and like there could be a possible cyst or growth there. I would have it examined by a vet in person so that it can be looked at more closely and treated as needed, especially since it's by the eye, bothersome, and been there a while. In addition, placing an Elizabethan (cone) collar on Midnight is a good idea as this will stop her from being able to paw at it and may reduce the irritation to it some.

Hi there and thanks for your post. There is a growth on the upper part of Riley's right eyelid. Many times, these growths are slow growing and typically will not cause a problem unless they become larger. When they do become larger, they can rub up against the cornea of the eye and cause eye irritation and infection which can cause the eye to become red like it is. At this point, it may be recommended to have the growth removed to prevent further eye irritation. I would recommend Riley see her primary care vet soon to have her eye evaluated. Your veterinarian will likely stain the eye to check for a corneal ulcer and may perscribe certain eye medications to help decrease inflammation. It may be advised by Riley's primary care vet to have this growth removed soon and this can most likely be scheduled with them for a later date at the time of the appointment. I hope this helps and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Poor girl. This raised red fleshy lesion on the eye looks like either a blood clot, a possible parasite, or even a mass). It is best to take Sasha in to your vet to get a thorough examination of this eye for further information and treatment options. Your vet may need to refer Sasha to an ophthalmologist for a definitive diagnosis here. I hope that Sasha's eye turns out ok. Best wishes and take care.

It is not uncommon for older dogs to get benign growths on their eyelids. Usually these do not cause much problem. If it continues to grow and his eye is red or has more discharge than normal then I would take him in for an exam. They may prescribe eye medication and tell you whether it would be best to remove the growth. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Taylor.