Eyelid Gland Masses (Cysts and Styes) in Cats
Key takeaways
Eyelid-gland masses in cats form when the glands that lubricate the eyelids (meibomian glands) become overly full and/or infected.
- When meibomian glands become overly full, this forms a cyst known as a chalazion
- When a chalazion becomes infected, that’s called a stye
- Both chalazia and styes appear as a single, swollen, red, and painful bump along the margin of the eyelid
- In contrast to most tumors that form on cat eyelids, meibomian-gland cysts are not cancerous
- Diagnosis is by physical examination; biopsy is rarely necessary for chalazia
- Treatment involves warm compresses, gentle manipulation, and antibiotic eye drops
- Eyelid-gland masses usually respond well to treatment, but may recur
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A closer look: Eyelid Gland Masses (Cysts and Styes) in Cats
Eyelid gland masses are uncommon in cats. They may be painful, but are not usually serious.
Eyelids are also a common location for cancer in cats, so prompt veterinary care is recommended anytime an eyelid is abnormal.
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Risk factors
The symptoms of cysts and styes are usually confined to the margin of the eyelid. If the infection spreads to the lining of the eye or the rest of the eyelid, additional symptoms may develop.
Possible causes
Eyelid-gland masses most commonly arise spontaneously when the duct becomes blocked. A blocked gland may then develop a bacterial infection.
Bacterial and viral eye infections contribute to eyelid-gland inflammation and may also lead to a blockage secondarily.
Main symptoms
Eyelid-gland masses present with a variety of symptoms, including:
- Pink, red, or pale bump along the margin of the eyelid
- Signs of eye pain, such as rubbing, blinking repeatedly, or squinting
Testing and diagnosis
Eyelid-gland masses are usually recognizable during a physical examination. It is important to differentiate them from potentially much more dangerous eyelid cancers or tumors.
Further diagnostics include:
- Ophthalmologic examination
- Microscopic evaluation of cells from the swollen area
- Bacterial culture
- Biopsy
Steps to Recovery
Sometimes treatment may not be necessary for some chalazia. When treatment is necessary the options include:
- Warm compresses and gentle manipulation to relieve a blocked duct
- Antibiotic eye drops when infection is present
A chalazion may remain for months or even years without leading to discomfort, inflammation, or infection. A painful or infected eyelid gland usually responds to treatment rapidly and heals in less than a week.
Prevention
Since eyelid-gland masses usually arise spontaneously, they cannot be prevented. Routine vaccinations are helpful for preventing viral infections that are a common source of eyelid inflammation which may predispose to duct blockage in rare cases. Eyelid-gland masses are not contagious.
Is Eyelid Gland Masses (Cysts and Styes) in Cats common?
Eyelid-gland masses are rare in cats.
Typical Treatment
- Warm compresses
- Gentle manipulation
- Antibiotic eye drops
