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Old Dog Resources
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Dog Eye Care - Chalazion
Overview - Chalazion, is a cyst in the eyelid that is caused by inflammation of the meibomian gland (gland at the rim of
the eyelid - responsible for the supply of an oily substance that makes the closed eyelids airtight ) usually on the upper eyelid. Chalazions
are usually painless apart from the tenderness caused when they swell up. A chalazion may eventually disappear on its own after a few months, though more
often than not, some treatment is necessary.
Causes - The condition is caused by obstruction of one of the ducts that drains one of the Meibomian glands.
Symptoms - Swelling on the eyelid, eyelid tenderness, sensitivity to light and increased tearing
Treatment - The primary treatment is application of warm compresses for 10 -
20 minutes at least 4 times a day. This may soften the hardened oils blocking the duct and promote drainage and healing.
Topical antibiotic eye drops or ointment (eg chloramphenicol or fusidic acid) are sometimes used for the initial acute
infection, but are otherwise of little value in treating a chalazion. Chalazia will often disappear without further
treatment within a month or so.
If they continue to enlarge or fail to settle within a few months, they may be surgically removed using
local anesthesia. This is usually done from underneath the eyelid to avoid a scar on the skin. Rarely chalazia may reoccur
and these will be biopsied to help rule out tumors.
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