This terrier had a benign meibomian gland eyelid tumor. The tumor inappropriately secreted oils into the eyelid which incited an inflammatory reaction. I used cryosurgery to remove the tumor without shortening the eyelid. Cryosurgery is the best option for older dogs.
Most eyelid tumors in dogs are small, subclinical, and require no treatment. When an eyelid tumor is causing ocular inflammation and discomfort, something must be done. Traditional wedge resection typically requires general anesthesia, shortens the eyelid, requires precise apposition of the eyelid margin, is subject to complications (dehiscence, suture rub), and the patients typically spend two weeks in an elizabethan collar post-operatively.
I prefer cryosurgical treatment of eyelid tumors because:
1. 96% cure rate
2. Does not shorten the eyelid
3. Only require light sedation and local anesthesia
4. No elizabethan collar
Jackson, a 12-year-old lab. Left: tumor before surgery. Right: the cryosurgery site 6 weeks post-operatively.
What to expect post-operatively: dogs will experience mild eyelid swelling at the surgery site that lasts a few days. The eyelid margin will lose pigment. It turns pink, then white, and then normalizes after 4-6 months.
How it works: Cryosurgery uses freezing temperatures to destroy tumor cells while sparing the normal eyelid structures. This makes it an ideal choice for treating eye issues in dogs because it’s less damaging than traditional methods. In my experience, 96% of my patients are cured with one treatment. Plus, when asked, 98% of clients would recommend this treatment to a friend.*
Cost: The total cost for the exam, procedure, and follow-up appointments is $2200. A little about Mountain Star: we pay our team 30% above market rate to attract the best of the best. Our pricing reflects our first-class skillset that translates into the best experience for your clients and patients.
I am happy to offer advice. Email or call me any time.
At Mountain Star, our goal is to heal pets’ skin and eye conditions so clients can enjoy their pets as healthy companions.
We truly appreciate your referrals. We’re here to support you, your clients, and your patients. We’re in this together.
*results from unpublished internal survey.
Cryosurgery on an older dog’s benign meibomian gland eyelid tumor.