Complex Eyelid Mass Removal
& Reconstruction for Archie

Archie, a much-loved 14-year-old male pugalier, had a small lump on his lower eyelid that had been monitored quietly for some time. It wasn’t painful, wasn’t affecting his vision, and didn’t interfere with his day-to-day life, so for a while, watching and waiting was the right approach.

Then it changed.

The mass began to grow rapidly and started to obscure Archie’s vision. At nearly fourteen years old, and as a brachycephalic breed with early kidney changes, Archie was considered a higher anaesthetic risk. That meant the decision to operate wasn’t taken lightly. But as the lump continued to enlarge, doing nothing was no longer the safest option.

Careful planning, honest discussion, and a clear focus on Archie’s comfort and quality of life shaped the next steps.

At nearly 14 years old, Archie was considered a higher anaesthetic risk. Pre-anaesthetic testing confirmed early kidney changes, and as a brachycephalic breed, extra attention was needed around airway management and recovery.

Rather than rushing, the team focused on planning carefully – weighing risk, timing, and surgical approach to give Archie the best chance of a safe outcome with the least stress possible.

During surgery, the mass was found to involve around 80% of the lower eyelid, requiring not just removal but reconstruction.

Dr Yuen performed an advanced eyelid procedure using an H-plasty technique, carefully rebuilding the eyelid so it could still protect the eye and function comfortably. The conjunctiva was repositioned to reduce the risk of fur rubbing on the cornea as healing progressed.

Given the size and location of the mass, this approach allowed Archie to keep his eye, avoiding enucleation, which had been discussed as a possible alternative if reconstruction wasn’t feasible.

In the early days after surgery, the eyelid looked inflamed and fragile, which can be confronting for owners. Archie was closely monitored, supported with pain relief, antibiotics, eye medication, and strict use of an Elizabethan collar.

With time, the swelling settled, the sutures held, and healing progressed steadily. Follow-up checks showed ongoing improvement and good comfort.

Histopathology confirmed the mass was a cutaneous plasmacytoma, a tumour type that is typically benign when fully removed. Importantly, the margins were clear.

Today, Archie is back to being his happy, social self, just with clearer vision and a comfortable eye. Ongoing monitoring is planned, but his prognosis is excellent.

Lumps around the eye deserve careful attention, even when they’ve been quiet for a long time. Changes in size, bleeding, or vision interference are signs it’s time to reassess.

For senior pets, surgery is never a casual decision. With the proper planning, experienced hands, and close nursing care, complex procedures can still be performed safely and can make a real difference to comfort and quality of life.

If your dog has:

• a lump near the eye that’s growing or bleeding
• changes in vision or eye comfort
• discharge, redness, or rubbing at the face

Early assessment gives more options and better outcomes.

If you’ve noticed changes around your dog’s eyes or have concerns about a lump, our team is here to help you talk through options calmly and clearly.

Contact Casey & Cranbourne Veterinary Hospital to book a surgical consultation.