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Blood-Filled Lumps on an Old Coonhound's Eyelids

Reader Question
This dog is a Walker Coonhound, about 12 or 13 years old, in good shape, with cataracts. Over the last several months he's developed blood-filled "pimples," first on one eyelid, then the other. He doesn't seem bothered by them and doesn't scratch or rub his eyes. Most of each pimple is on the outside of the lid, but I recently saw that the blister-like growth is also on the underside of the lid. He isn't my dog. I look after him twice a week, and he doesn't have a regular vet. Any ideas what this might be, and how it's treated?


Answer from Our Team

Lumps on the eyelids are very common in older dogs, and most are benign. The most common type grows from the oil glands along the lid edge. These can look reddish, bleed, and show on the inside of the lid as well. Some blood-filled lumps can be blood vessel tumors, so only a lab test can say for sure what they are.

Even benign lumps tend to grow and eventually rub the eye, causing redness, discharge or ulcers. If the family can arrange a vet visit, small lumps can often be frozen or removed under light sedation or local anesthetic, which is useful for an older dog. The removed tissue should be sent to a lab.

Until then, keep the area clean with a damp cloth, and watch for him rubbing his eyes, squinting, discharge or the lumps growing quickly. Those signs mean he should be seen soon.

See eyelid growths in dogs.

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

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