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A Swollen Inner Eye Socket in an Older Pit Bull

by A reader

Reader Question
My male American Pit Bull Terrier is almost 11 years old. He had a tumor removed from his back 2 years ago (no cancer!). He has been super healthy except for skin allergies but they are under control with daily medication and a diet change. In the last month his inner left eye socket has been swollen. Some days are worse than others. The vet didn't know what it was and gave me steroid drops that didn't do anything. It doesn't hurt him to push on it and there's no discharge. He doesn't seem to notice it but it is clearly swollen. Since the vet doesn't have any ideas I am a loss on what to do. I think it may be more swollen in the last week. He's eating normal and very active.

Thank you!


Answer from Our Team

A swelling near the inner corner of the eye that comes and goes for weeks without pain or discharge can come from a blocked tear duct or a cyst near it, a problem with an upper tooth root, swelling from allergies, or a growth in the tissues around the eye or nose. Given his age and history, a growth needs to be ruled out, even though many causes are benign.

Since the steroid drops didn't help and it seems bigger, ask your vet about the next steps: a needle sample of the swelling, a tear duct flush, dental X-rays, or a scan of the head. A referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist or internal medicine specialist is reasonable if your vet isn't sure.

See your vet sooner if the eye starts to bulge, he has nosebleeds, sneezing, bad breath or trouble eating.

See swollen eyes in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.

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