A Mass Near the Eye—Can It Be Safely Removed Without Damaging the Eyeball?
This case involves the surgical removal of an eyelid chalazion in a 7-year-old Bichon Frise.
The owner had not noticed the lump because it was hidden by the dog's fur. Later, they discovered a small, pimple-like bump on the lower eyelid. After monitoring it for some time without any improvement, they brought their dog to our hospital for examination and treatment.
Examination Findings

During the examination, a rice grain-sized chalazion was found on the lower eyelid.
Most chalazions are benign (non-cancerous) and may occasionally shrink or disappear on their own. However, if they continue to grow, they can interfere with vision. Larger chalazions may also require a wider area of surgical removal, making the procedure more challenging and leaving less healthy eyelid tissue available for closure.
After discussing the condition and treatment options, the owner decided to proceed with surgical removal.
Surgical Procedure


→ Ophthalmic surgery requires exceptional precision and concentration because the tissues around the eye are delicate. For this reason, specialized ophthalmic surgical instruments are used instead of standard surgical equipment.
→ The hair around the eye was carefully clipped, and the surgical area was thoroughly disinfected while protecting the eyeball from any irritation or injury.
→ The chalazion was completely removed, and the incision was meticulously closed with very fine absorbable sutures to preserve the natural shape of the eyelid.
Postoperative Care
Because the surgical site was very close to the eye, exposed suture ends could potentially irritate the cornea.
To minimize this risk, very fine absorbable sutures were used, and the suture ends were trimmed as short as possible to ensure the patient's comfort during normal daily activities.
An Elizabethan collar (E-collar) was recommended for 7–10 days to protect the surgical site during healing.
At the follow-up examination, the sutures had dissolved naturally, and the incision healed beautifully with little to no visible scarring.
At SKY Animal Hospital, we believe that even a minor procedure deserves the highest level of care and attention.
Our team is committed to providing precise examinations, delicate surgical techniques, and compassionate care so that both our patients and their families can feel confident and at ease.
SKY ANIMAL HOSPITAL