Swollen Eyelids

Question
Hi-

I have a 2 yr old doxy that has recently begun to get swollen eyelids.  He starts out with a swollen spot that looks like a small bug bite on the outside of his eyelid (at first it was only on his upper lids but now it is taking place on his lower lids as well).  The bump gets bigger and bigger until it bursts.  Then it heals and looks normal again as another bump starts.  This has been going on for several weeks now and his vet is stummped.  He is on benedryl and an antibiotic ointment twice a day for now, but the problem is continuing.  My dog does not seem to have ANY other symptoms and the eyelids don't seem to really bother him much except when the bumps burst.  Any thoughts?

Answer
First of all, I have no idea what this could be, but I would get a referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist from your vet.  

With some searching I did come up with a couple things... the first two applying to eyelid cysts in cats.

http://www.vetpathology.org/cgi/reprint/36/5/474.pdf

http://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/abs/10.2460/javma.230.8.1170?cookieSet=1&journa...

http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/courses/vet_eyes/conotes/con_chapter_4.html
Eyelid neoplasia
Eyelid neoplasms are the most frequent form of ocular neoplasia. There is considerable variation between the species in the types observed. All growths removed from the eyelids should be examined histologically to confirm or deny the diagnosis.

Dog (Roberts, et al.)
Adenoma: Most common eyelid neoplasm in the dog. Generally arises from Meibomian gland (sebaceous adenoma). If the eyelid is everted, the diseased gland often clearly can be visualized beneath the mucous membranes.
Rate of growth fluctuates considerably and is different from case to case. Essentially always benign in behavior although rarely may appear malignant histologically. Cystic changes are not uncommon. Must be completely removed or it will recur. In older animal may elect just to observe and remove only if causing problems or enlarging rapidly. Signs seen may include keratitis or conjunctivitis due to physical irritation.
Papilloma: This is the second most common neoplasm. Remove if it is causing a problem.

Viral papilloma: Not common - also can occur on the conjunctiva and cornea of young dogs. It is a variation of oral viral papillomatosis and may be seen with or without oral lesions. Remove only if causing problems because it eventually will regress as the patient develops immunity.

Histiocytoma: Uncommon - may be part of generalized histiocytomatosis or localized to the eyelid.
These usually resolve spontaneously in 3-6 months. Surgery or medical therapy should be done only if the mass is causing major irritation.
Melanoma: Uncommon - often adenoma/adenocarcinoma is misdiagnosed as melanoma due to melanosis. Weimaraners and vizslas are predisposed. Most of these tumors are benign and are cured by local excision; if malignant histologically, watch closely for recurrence after surgical removal in which case wide excision should be done.