Eyelid Growth on 8 Year Old Chocolate Lab

January 25, 2015

Hi David and Theresa,
From the photos of Willow, (both seem to be the same picture), it is dark, but appears the eyelid growth is on the inner aspect of the lid where is may irritate the cornea.

You did not mention how long this growth has been present, or if it is causing discomfort. Is Willow rubbing her eye? Does she have eye discharge? Does she have any other health issues?

If this growth is not bothering Willow, and has been slow growing over the past 6 months, then there is no need to make a rushed decision on surgery. And some alternative treatments may be helpful. It does not appear to be a malignant mass, unless it has only been there for 2-3 weeks and is rapidly increasing in size. In which case, surgery may need to be considered.

If this is slow growing, and not bothering Willow, and she has no other health issues, such as allergies, diarrhea, behavior problems, etc. then here are some suggestions:
1. No more vaccinations. Seek the help of a holistic veterinarian to write an exemption form for her.

2. Diet: Check out our page on 10 Best Dog Food Options, https://www.organic-pet-digest.com/10-best-dog-food-options.html, and consider a RAW diet for her. NO DRY dog food. Or perhaps a compromise with 1/3 dry, 1/3 canned, 1/3 raw in each meal.

3. Moisturize the cornea: use sweet almond oil to moisturize her cornea while using homeopathic remedies to shrink the growth. Apply 2-3 drops into her eye 3-4 times daily to keep her cornea protected.

4. Homeopathic remedy, Thuya, (Thuja occidentalis) Give her Thuya 30C one pellet by mouth one time daily for three days only. You can also dissolve one pellet in 2 oz of Spring Water and give her 1/2 dropperful by mouth one time daily for three days. Shake the bottle 20 times prior to each dose by hitting it against the palm of your hand.

Another resource for vets knowledgeable in homeopathy is AVH.org.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the ‘click here to add your own comments’ link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.