By Emily Thielke

Eyelid Tumors

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:

o Poodleso Labrador Retrievers o Cocker Spanielo Samoyedo Siberian Huskyo Cock-a-pooo Alaskan Malamuteo Cairn Terriero Dachshundo Shih Tzuo Basset Hounds

Usually benign

May be based on clinical appearance

Often originate from the glands located within the eyelid margin

Canine Eyelid Neoplasm

• Most common in dogs

• It rises from the meibomian gland and found near the meibomian orifice

• Can be confused with sebaceous hyperplasias

Meibomian (sebaceous) Adenoma

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

Symptoms

MelanomaPapillomaHistiocytoma

Other less common Eyelid Tumors in Dogs

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

Dx and Tx

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

Feline Eyelid Neoplasm

Most common

Commonly found in cats with white or pink eyelids

Common in outdoor cats with prolonged sun exposure

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

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

Symptoms

Basal Cell CarcinomaFibrosarcoma Mast cell tumor

Other Eyelid Tumors in Cats

Complete medical history and physical examination

Complete ophthalmic examinationFluorescein staining of the corneaBacterial culture of secretions from the eyeFungal culture and cytologyFine needle aspirateTissue biopsy Chest X-rays to look for possible spread of the

tumor

Dx

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

Tx

An eyelid mass should be removed :

The mass becomes too largeConcern about malignancyCorneal or Conjunctival irritationThe patient is traumatizing the mass

Also the owner may just want it removed for cosmetic purposes

Indications for Surgery

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

Procedure

Bishop-Harman forceps

Chalazion ForcepsJaegar Lid PlateStevens Tonotomy

ScissorsNeedle Holders

Surgical Supplies

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

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 timesMonitoring their activity so as to not open the incisionMonitor incision for infection and keep it cleanUse of an Elizabethan collar may be needed to keep the

animal from causing more trauma to the eyeFollow up appointments are necessary

CVT's Role

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.

Canine Cancer: Sebaceous and Modified Sebaceous Gland Tumors Artical from National Canine Cancer Foundation (2010) Retrieved on 2-23-11 from http://dogtime.com/sebaceous-and-modified-sebaceous-gland-tumors-canine-cancer-library.html

Eyelid Tumors in Dogs   By: Dr. Noelle McNabb (1999-2010) Retrieved on 2-23-11 from http://www.petplace.com/dogs/eyelid-tumors-in-dogs/page1.aspx

Eyelid Tumors in Cats   By: Dr. Noelle McNabb (1999-2010) Retrieved on 2-23-11 from http://www.petplace.com/cats/eyelid-tumors-in-cats/page1.aspx

Small Animal Surgical Nursing Skills and Concepts by: Sara J. Busch (2006 Mosby Inc) Retrieved on 2-23-11 from Chapter 7 Specific Procedures Ophthalmic Procedures Pages 225-232

Referances