Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog and cat eye tumors: new laser surgery method and results
By Shukla, A K et al.·Published in Veterinary ophthalmology·2026·Equine Department·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Use of Transcorneal Iris Photocoagulation to Facilitate Sector Iridectomy of Pigmented Iridal Tumors: A Case Series of Five Eyes (Three Dogs and One Cat)-Clinical Findings, Surgical Technique, Complications, and Outcome.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A Rhodesian Ridgeback, a German Shepherd, a Labrador Retriever, and a Scottish Fold cat were treated for rapidly growing, pigmented tumors on their irises. To help with surgery, a special laser technique called transcorneal iris photocoagulation was used to improve visibility and reduce bleeding during the removal of the tumors. All tumors were successfully removed, and follow-up showed that the pets retained their vision with no signs of tumor regrowth. Some pets experienced minor complications like bleeding and light sensitivity, but these were managed effectively.
People also search for: dog eye tumor treatment · cat iris tumor surgery · laser treatment for dog eye problems · pet eye surgery complications
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of transcorneal iris photocoagulation (TCIP) to improve intraocular visualization of intended incision lines, reduce hemorrhage, and facilitate excision of pigmented iridal tumors in four canine eyes and one feline eye. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Rhodesian Ridgeback (treated bilaterally), a German Shepherd, a Labrador Retriever, and a Scottish Fold underwent sector iridectomy due to rapidly growing, pigmented, raised, iridal tumors affecting 1/4-1/3 of the iris circumference (3- to 4-clock hours). A diode laser was used to delineate the intended sector iridectomy incision lines, approximately 1-2 mm away from the grossly visible tumor margins, with the aim of improving visualization to achieve tumor-free margins and reduce tissue handling/trauma. RESULTS: All iridal tumors were removed en bloc with tumor-free margins on histopathology. The most common histologic diagnosis was iris melanocytoma (3/5 eyes). The most common intra- and postoperative complications included hyphema and fibrin clot formation (5/5), posterior synechia formation of iris wound margins (5/5 eyes), and photophobia (3/5 eyes). Two eyes required intracameral tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) injections within 2 weeks of surgery. The follow-up period for all operated eyes ranged from 5 to 14 months. Vision was retained in all eyes, with no grossly apparent tumor regrowth within the follow-up times included for each case in the present series. CONCLUSIONS: The use of TCIP to delineate intended incision lines improved intraocular visualization of sector iridectomy surgical margins in this case series. While hyphema and fibrin clot formation still occurred, they were successfully managed.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40931895/