Mary Allen
Lid tumors are generally more malignant in cats than in dogs. For this reason, a prompt ophthalmological examination is very important.
Eyelid tumors in cats
Luckily, eyelid tumors are less common in cats than in dogs, because unfortunately, cat eyelid tumors are usually malignant, but that doesn’t mean your cat’s life is in danger. Because here too – as with eyelid tumors in dogs – the following rule applies: The sooner the better!
Types of eyelid tumors in cats
The most commonly squamous cell carcinoma in cats is the eyelid. Less pigmented cats (white cats) are particularly affected. Squamous cell carcinomas can become very large very quickly and then make it difficult to remove them completely. Mast cell tumors can also occur in cats on the eyelid. Mast cell tumors in cats are not always cancerous, but in rare cases, they can even spread to the lymph nodes or other organs.
Lid tumors are generally more malignant in cats than in dogs. For this reason, a prompt ophthalmological examination is very important.
It’s also worth noting that not every lump on a cat’s eyelid is a tumor. There are cysts or inflammation/infections, for example, caused by a tick bite, which can lead to localized swelling on the eyelid.
Therapy
Surgical removal (excision) is usually the treatment of choice for all eyelid tumors. If the size of the tumor is more than 1/3 of the length of the eyelid, a more complex removal may have to be carried out in order to be able to remove the tumor completely. For example, parts of the otherwise hairless lip can serve as a replacement lid (so-called lip-to-lid plastic). If necessary, radiation therapy or, in rarer cases, chemotherapy must be carried out after surgical removal of the eyelid tumor. All removed increases in the circumference of the eye should be examined pathologically in order to be able to assess an accurate prognosis for the further course and, if necessary, further treatments.
Depending on the size of the tumor and the surgical technique used, the healing time is 10-14 days. During this time, a neck collar must be worn, and painkillers and antibiotic eye drops must be administered.