As the growth gets bigger, it may require more invasive surgery. This can be costly and uncomfortable for your pup, so call your vet as soon as you spot a growth. If your vet suspects the growth is cancerous, they will take a biopsy to make an official diagnosis. They may also run blood tests and conduct a chest X-ray.
Adenoma: These benign tumors are usually pink or gray and are located on the upper or lower eyelid. They may enlarge or become more irritated over time. Papilloma: These are most popular in young dogs and usually appear as pink or white bumps on the surface of their eyelid. Though you should still always contact your vet, these growths sometimes disappear on their own.
Adenocarcinoma: These do not usually spread to other parts of the body, but may spread to other parts of the eye. They are typically pink or grey and may bleed or become more irritated over time. [4] X Research source Melanoma: Melanoma may appear as one small growth on the eyelid at first, with more growths spreading along the eyelid over time. The cancer has a greater risk of spreading to other parts of the body.
A cryoprobe is a surgical instrument that uses liquid nitrogen to freeze, shrink, and kill diseased tissue. [6] X Research source Cryotherapy typically costs between $100 and $300 per treatment. Usually, only one treatment is needed.
V-plasty surgery is an outpatient procedure that is usually very successful. In nearly all cases, the growth will not return after surgery. If the tumor is large and requires a bigger portion of the eye to be removed, your vet may schedule a follow-up eyelid reconstruction surgery. The cost of V-plasty surgery ranges between $150 and $350. [8] X Research source
The duration of your dog’s chemo treatment depends on their particular case and age. Older dogs may remain on chemo for the rest of their lives, while others will only have chemo until their cancer goes into remission. The cost of chemo ranges between a few hundred and a few thousand dollars. The total cost depends on the size of your dog and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. [10] X Research source
Though removal of the eye is a big change, many pups go on to live happy, healthy lives after the surgery. After the site has healed, they will also no longer experience discomfort or pain at the site. The cost of eye removal surgery depends on the additional care your dog needs following the surgery, but it typically ranges between $400 and $950.
If you notice a bump at the incision site, talk to your vet. A small number of growths can recur after surgery. In that case, your doctor may schedule a second surgery once your pup is ready.
