My dog has an eye hemangioma. Is treatment needed if he feels no pain?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I deal with these tumors regularly as I only see cancer cases. Thankfully, hemangiomas are benign tumors and are not known to spread to other locations so there is no need to look for metastasis as that would be extremely rare. Normally though you would look for metastasis by doing thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound. There is no definitive way to avoid these growths so the recommendation is to remove them if observed. Good luck and I'm glad to hear they are benign!

Hello. That looks like a small growth/tumor that originated in a tear-producing gland. Without an actual biopsy, we cannot say the exact type or if it is benign/malignant. However, the majority are Meibomian Gland Adenomas and typically are benign. They can bleed, cause inflammation or infection and, if large enough, can irritate or even scratch the cornea. They can be a nuisance. Monitor for squinting, pain, rubbing the eye or chronic discharge. Some need to be removed surgically. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Regardless if benign or malignant, removal should be considered to try to make her more comfortable. How likely it is to come back after removal will depend on what kind of growth this is and how malignant it is. Good luck and have a good night!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I do not think you should continue to just monitor it as it is likely going to continue to grow. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

Unfortunately no, there is no home treatment for eye tumors. He has to see a vet as soon as possible because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. I would make a plan to take a trip to take your dog to the nearest vet as soon as possible.

Fortunately, the majority of eyelid masses on dogs are benign Meibomian gland adenomas. As long as the mass does not start growing significantly, bleeding, or causing Murphy to scratch, continue monitoring progression of these masses with photos to show to your vet in August. If anything changes significantly or seems to bother Murphy, he should go in for an exam sooner. Since he has fear-based aggression (very common!) and will need to have his eyes thoroughly examined, consider calling his vet to ask if he should have a sedative at home prior to his exam both to decrease stress and allow for a more thorough exam. I hope this helps and that all goes well!

Without an exam or diagnostics, it is near impossible to say. It could be anything from local inflammation/infection to a benign or malignant mass. Given Ruckess' history, an exam with your veterinarian or veterinary oncologist would be recommended. A fine needle aspirate can be done to collect a sample for pathology.