Meibomian Gland Tumours

This condition refers to tumours that can develop within an older dog's meibomian glands. They begin as small bumps on the upper and lower eyelid margins. Many will not grow further, remaining only 2-3mm in size, and there is no need to remove them. However, meibomian gland tumours may rub or rest on the eye, which does not appear to irritate it. Some tumours will occasionally become active and grow larger. Once started, they will continue to grow until removed.

Meibomian tumours can be easily removed by performing a 'V' wedge excision on the affected lid. We cut as close to the tumours as possible because they do not require large margins, allowing us to keep the majority of the eyelid. Most tumours necessitate the removal of an eighth to a quarter of the affected lid, though up to a third of the lid can be removed without causing any visible changes to the eyelid once healed.

To close the surgery site and re-oppose the eyelid margins, we use very fine sutures, such as 6-0 prolene. If everything is done perfectly, it is often difficult to tell that surgery has taken place and that there was ever a tumour in the first place!.