Having a pet is a breeze — until they get sick. Watching your precious dog in pain can be a tearful sight. One of the issues dogs suffer from is a cyst on the dog’s eye. So, what is it, and how to treat it?
An eye cyst is a hollow thing that forms in your dog’s eye. You can treat it in various ways depending on the type and intensity of the cyst. However, it is best to contact a specialist who will choose the treatment after a thorough examination.
Learn more about eye cysts and how to help your hurting dog during this challenging time.
Before you read this guide, “Cyst On Dog’s Eye: What Is It and How to Treat It,” check out: Cyst in Dog’s Mouth: What Is It and How to Treat It! (2023) and Interdigital Cysts in Dogs: What Is It and How to Treat It? (2023).
What Is an Eye Cyst?
An iris cyst, also known as a uveal cyst, is a hollow structure that can develop in a dog’s eye. Despite its alarming presence, it does not cause harm or any noticeable issues to your pet.
However, in rare cases, it can result in a change in behavior due to vision changes or obstruct the eye‘s drainage system, leading to complications. If your dog is not experiencing any problems, corrective measures may not be necessary.
However, veterinarians can perform surgical correction if it is causing issues for your dog. Fortunately, dogs can recover well after surgery with proper rest and treatment.
In dogs, an iris cyst can develop after trauma, be present from birth, or spontaneously appear without any known cause. Therefore, if your dog has an iris cyst, there’s no need to be concerned, as it usually doesn’t affect your pet.
Symptoms and Types of Eye Cyst in Dogs
While most iris cysts in dogs are asymptomatic, some possible symptoms can occur, such as vision alteration, obstruction of the eye‘s drainage angle, changes in behavior, and eventual development of glaucoma.
The iris, the pigmented membrane behind the cornea that contains the pupil, is responsible for the color of a dog’s eye.
An iris cyst is an abnormal cavity lined by epithelium containing liquid or semi-solid material inside or outside the body. In dogs, iridic cysts are pigmentations, free-floating spheres typically found in the anterior chamber, posterior chamber, or pupil.
What Causes an Eye Cyst in Dogs?
Iris cysts, closed cavities filled with fluid or semi-solid material, are often a secondary consequence of eye inflammation. Among all animal species, dogs are most prone to developing iris cysts.
These cysts can arise for various reasons, including eye trauma, congenital cysts present at birth, or, more commonly, an unknown cause.
The exact etiology of these cysts remains poorly understood, but it is an inflammatory response within the eye. Inflammation can damage the iris tissue, leading to a cystic cavity that gradually fills with fluid.
The underlying mechanism behind the association between inflammation and iris cysts is unclear. Still, it can be due to immune-mediated changes or a failure in the average clearance of fluids from the eye.
While the exact cause of iris cysts remains uncertain, prompt medical attention can help prevent any potential complications that may arise.
How Is an Eye Cyst Diagnosed in Dogs?
To comprehensively evaluate your dog’s eye health, a veterinarian may conduct multiple tests to determine the root cause of any abnormalities.
Schirmer Tear Test
One of the primary tests performed is the Schirmer Tear Test (STT), which measures tear production and evaluates the moisture level in the eye. Insufficient tear production can lead to various medical issues, including dry eye and ulceration.
Fluorescein Staining
If necessary, your veterinarian may proceed with fluorescein staining, which involves using a sodium fluorescein stain that binds to unhealthy parts of the corneal stroma. If there are any areas of abnormality, there will be a disruption in the stain distribution, making it easier for the veterinarian to identify the problem.
Tonometry
Tonometry is another test your vet can use to determine the eye‘s intraocular pressure (IOP). This test is for glaucoma evaluation but can also be a rule-out diagnostic test.
If further evaluation is required, the veterinarian may refer you to a specialist who can perform more in-depth tests, such as:
- Ocular ultrasound
- Corneal esthesiometry
- Electroretinogram
These tests can help provide a more accurate diagnosis and lead to an effective treatment, ensuring the best possible outcome for your dog.
What Is the Treatment for Eye Cyst in Dogs?
In most cases, iris cysts in dogs are harmless and do not require medical intervention. However, if the cyst causes vision impairment or other issues, surgery may be necessary to remove it. Fortunately, the cyst is usually a hollow structure with no significant side effects.
If your dog requires surgery, it is best to consult a specialist with the necessary expertise and experience to perform the procedure safely and effectively. It is important to note that eyes are delicate organs, and general veterinarians may have a different experience than specialists in eye-related conditions.
Therefore, taking your dog to a specialist can ensure he receives the best possible care and treatment.
Recovery for Your Dog After Treatment
If your dog is diagnosed with an iris cyst that is not causing any problems, medical treatment may be unnecessary. In such cases, your dog can do their usual daily activities. However, if surgical intervention is required, recovery is usually uneventful.
Recovery times vary based on the type of surgical procedure. Generally, your dog must be confined to a kennel for the first week to ensure it does not accidentally hurt itself. In addition, you may need to keep your dog’s eye covered during the healing process, which may take some time for your dog to adjust to.
Your veterinarian will likely prescribe medications to ensure your dog’s comfort and promote healing. For instance, your dog may need eye drops or ointments to lubricate the eye and prevent discomfort.
Additionally, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infections and pain medication to alleviate inflammation or irritation. Each veterinarian may have a preference for drugs, so it is best to follow their recommendations.
Most dogs recover well from iris cysts, mainly when medical intervention is unnecessary. Since the eye is essential, it’s best to prioritize treatment. Your dog can return to normal activities with proper care and lead a happy and healthy life.
Frequently Asked Questions
The treatment for a cyst on a dog’s eye depends on the size, location, and underlying cause. An iris cyst often requires no medical treatment as it is typically a harmless and free-floating structure.
However, surgery may be necessary to aspirate or remove the cyst if it is causing vision impairment, discomfort, or obstructing the eye’s drainage angle.
A specialist with experience treating eye conditions in animals should perform the surgery. After surgery, the dog may need to be on kennel rest for the first week to prevent accidental injury and may require medications such as eye drops, ointments, antibiotics, and pain medication to help heal and prevent infection.
It is essential to have your dog’s eye evaluated by a veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment for the cyst.
There are several potential causes of cysts in dogs’ eyes. Some cysts may be congenital, meaning the dog is born with them.
Others may develop due to inflammation or trauma to the eye. Additionally, some cysts may form due to blockages in the eye’s drainage system, which can cause fluids to accumulate and form cysts.
In many cases, an eye cyst’s exact cause is unknown.
The removal of a cyst from a dog’s eyelid is through a surgical procedure called an excision. This procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and involves an incision around the cyst to remove it altogether.
Depending on the size and location of the cyst, sutures may not be necessary to close the incision. You should monitor your dog afterwards for any signs of infection or complications. Your veterinarian can provide more information about the specific process and aftercare plan for your dog’s case.
Eye cysts are not as common in dogs as other eye conditions but can occur in some dogs. They are more commonly a secondary effect of inflammation of the eye. Among all the animal species, iris cysts are the most common in dogs.
An iris cyst in dogs appears as a small, smooth, round, or oval-shaped bump on the colored part of the eye. The cyst can vary in color from light yellow to dark brown or black, depending on the pigmentation of the iris.
The size of the cyst can also vary, ranging from a tiny spot to a more significant bump. The cyst may appear to be attached to the iris or free-floating within the anterior or posterior chamber of the eye. A cyst on a dog’s eyelid can also occur as a small, raised bump with a visible opening or pore.
A cyst near a dog’s eye is an abnormally closed cavity containing liquid or semi-solid material lined by epithelium and in or on the body. In the case of a cyst near a dog’s eye, it is a cyst that has developed in the tissues surrounding the eye, including the eyelids, conjunctiva, or orbital tissues.
These cysts can vary in size and appearance and may or may not cause any symptoms for the dog. Therefore, it is vital to have any suspicious growths near a dog’s eye evaluated by a veterinarian to determine the best course of action.
Conclusion for “Cyst on Dog’s Eye: What Is It and How to Treat It”
An eye cyst, also known as a uveal cyst, is a hollow structure that can develop on a dog’s eye for various reasons, including eye trauma, congenital cysts present at birth, or, more commonly, an unknown cause.
While most iris cysts in dogs are asymptomatic, possible symptoms can occur such as vision alteration, obstruction of the eye‘s drainage angle, behavioral changes, and eventual development of glaucoma.
Diagnosing an eye cyst in dogs may involve the Schirmer Tear Test, fluorescein staining, or Tonometry. In most cases, iris cysts in dogs are harmless and do not require medical intervention. However, if the cyst causes vision impairment or other issues, surgery may be necessary to remove it.
Recovery after surgical intervention is usually uneventful, and dogs can recover well with proper rest.
If you find this guide, “Cyst On Dog’s Eye: What Is It and How to Treat It,” helpful, check out:
- Sebaceous Cysts on Dogs: What to Expect and How to Treat Them! (2023)
- Follicular Cysts in Dogs: What to Do and How to Treat Them! (2023)
- What Is a Cutaneous Horn on a Dog? (2023)
Learn more by watching “A Cyst Is Growing OUT Dog’s Eye 😱 | Bondi Vet Clips | Bondi Vet” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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