eye cyst

my 8 year old dog has a cyst or sty on his lower eye lid. it has never bothered him until recently and  now hes rubbing his face on anything he can find causing it to bleed. we are taking him to the vet but was wondering if anyone has had this happen and what it cost. we need to have it taken care of but have limited funds.

[Kimberly Coyner, D.V.M., DACVD]

Although a localized infection of the eyelid (chalazion) is possible, older dogs commonly get benign eyelid tumors called meibomian adenomas. A cancerous tumor would be less likely. He may be rubbing and bothering it because it has become secondarily infected. Sometimes eyelid masses rub on the cornea, creating irritation. Veterinary exam is needed to evaluate if antibiotics or surgical removal of the mass are needed.