Cyst on upper eyelid / close to outter rim of eye

Question
I have a 4 year old yorkie and my wife and I noticed a small red cyst on her eyelid.  It is on the left upper eyelid / very close to the outer rim.      

We noticed the cyst 10 days ago.

She did have this before...and at that time, our local vet in Southern California prescribed neo-poly-dex ophthalmic drops.  It seemed to do the trick.  

We have since moved to Northern California to Mountain View. When this recent cyst showed up, we went ahead and used the medication that was prescribed to us when she had the cyst the last time...but it seems like the cyst is not hedging.  The medication was prescribed September 25, 2007 and the expiration is October 1, 2008.

We know it is a steroid, therefore we are very careful with the dosage.  We are on day 4 and will probably stop tomorrow.  5 days being the maximum time to use the med.

In addition, we have noticed much more drainage in both eyes..which we did not see as much in so.cal.

I, myself, have been suffering from allergies since moving up here...there are definitely more trees and allergens in the air up here.  

We would appreciate a recommendation for both concerns.  

Please let me know as soon as you can.  Thanks Much

Kindest regards,
James

Answer
James -

First off, that medication is an antibiotic mixed with a steroid. It is commonly given for any kind of eye irritation to make sure no infection sets in.  I used to use it on a horse I had - when the pollen was in the air and it was windy at all, his eye would swell up and get crusty/runny.

I would suspect it is related to her eye sensitivity overall. I would have her checked to rule our dry eye as well. That can cause eye drainage and allergies are likely to make her eyes run.

If she's itching it somehow, it could make that one spot swell...

You'll need a vet to rule out anything more serious - but the good news is that most cysts on dogs eyelids are supposed to be benign and can be rmoved without too much trouble.

I'm not a vet, but I suspect you will get a good result from a vet visit.

-Beth