Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Tumors behind the eye in 37 cats - signs and outcomes
By Jones, Bryn A et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2022·Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Tumours involving the retrobulbar space in cats: 37 cases.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 37 cats with tumors behind their eyes (retrobulbar neoplasia) showed various symptoms, including breathing problems and bulging eyes. Most of these tumors were found to be malignant, with lymphoma being the most common type, often spreading from the nasal area. Many cats had noticeable changes in their eyes and surrounding lymph nodes. Unfortunately, the average survival time for these cats after diagnosis was about 85 days. Treatment options were not detailed, but early detection and assessment are crucial for managing this serious condition.
People also search for: cat eye bulging · cat breathing problems · lymphoma in cats treatment · retrobulbar tumors in cats · cat nasal cancer symptoms
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this multicentre retrospective study was to describe the clinical presentation, imaging findings, diagnosis and outcomes of cats with retrobulbar neoplasia. METHODS: A total of 37 cats that were diagnosed with retrobulbar neoplasia and underwent advanced imaging were recruited from searches of the clinical records of two referral hospitals. All cats had neoplasia confirmed via cytology or histopathology. Data relating to the signalment, presentation, results of investigations, treatment and outcome were recorded. A review of imaging studies was performed where possible. RESULTS: In total, 23 cases (62%) were presented with respiratory signs. Exophthalmos was the most common ophthalmological examination finding, present in 18 cases (49%). Thirty-two cases (86%) had secondary extension of neoplasia to the retrobulbar space (most commonly from the nasal cavities), present in 20 cases (54%), of which 12 were lymphoma. In cases where contrast was administered, 28/35 (80%) had contrast-enhancing masses. Orbital extension was detected in 21 cases (57%), exophthalmos in 22 (59%), globe deformation in 12 (32%) and local lymphadenomegaly in 22 (61%). In total, 36 (97%) retrobulbar tumours were malignant. Thoracic imaging, where it was performed, was concerning for metastasis in 8/25 cases (31%), with abdominal imaging suggestive of metastasis in 5/12 (42%). The most common diagnosis was lymphoma with 19 cases (51%), with nasal lymphoma representing 12 of these, followed by carcinoma in 10 (27%). The median survival time, for cases where death was recorded, was 85 days (range 1-263 days). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: To the authors' knowledge, this is the largest study of neoplasia affecting the feline retrobulbar space. Retrobulbar tumours in cats are overwhelmingly malignant, and commonly due to secondary extension of tumours originating elsewhere. Lymphoma, particularly arising from the nasal cavities, was the most common cause. Cats presenting with signs suggestive of retrobulbar disease should be assessed for disease affecting any of the structures of the head.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35536054/