cyst in corner of eye?

[suzi-q]

My 6 month old puppy has a growth in the corner of his eye that has been getting bigger.  I knew that he was going to be going for blood work today because he is being neutered on Thursday.  I waited to bring him until now to have it checked and I think I made a wrong decision.  The last week or so it has gotten bigger quickly...(it started out small about 2 months ago...then seemed to stop growing and now has taken off again!)...I asked the doctor what he thought it was and he doesn't know.  He said it could be a fatty cyst, a regular cyst...but truly not sure....also doesn't know if he even wants to remove it during the neutering on Thursday because of the location....the biopsy for the fluid or whatever is in it is 150 dollars (but of course I am doing it).  Any one experience something like this?  I thought a simple cyst and sat back on it....now I feel I have put my puppy in harms way.  Any light shed on this will be helpful...It is going to be a long week for me waiting for the surgery and getting the results.  THANK YOU.

[Jim Humphries, B.S., D.V.M.]

THE most common thing this could be is a third eyelid infection or cherry eye. This is if the growth or bump is on the inside corner.  On the outside of the eye this could be an eyelid gland cyst and again - common.  They don't need a biopsy.  

Treatment of cherry eye is very straightforward and consists of surgically repositioning the gland. Topical or injectable treatments of antibiotics and steroids are not completely effective in reducing the gland and allowing for correction without surgery. Because the exposed gland is at greater risk for further trauma or infection, prompt surgical replacement is the best choice.

We used to just remove this gland. While this procedure is often effective, it can create many problems later in the animals life. The gland of the third eyelid is very important for the production of tears. Without the tears produced by the third eyelid many dogs could suffer from the condition known as 'dry eye.'  

The much better and preferred surgical option is to surgically tack the gland back into place with a suture that attaches the gland to the deeper structures of the eye socket. Most of these surgeries are performed quickly and have very few complications, and allow the gland to return to normal function. After the surgery, some animals may need to be placed on antibiotic ointment for a few days.  I would not be concerned about doing this at the same time as the neuter - sure would save you and him another trip.

[suzi-q]

Thank you for responding....it was a cyst on the eyelid afterall and did not need a biopsy.  I appreciate the information that you have given me.