Photocoagulation of limbal melanoma in dogs and cats: 15 cases (1989-1993)

Abstract

Objective - To evaluate immediate clinical effects and long-term results of neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser treatment of limbal melanoma in dogs and cats. Design - Retrospective case series. Animals - 13 dogs and 2 cats. Results - At the time of treatment, 9 tumors were progressively enlarging and 4 were static. Recent growth characteristics of 2 tumors were not reported. Total energy applied ranged from 7.5 to 572 J. In all eyes, pigmented tissue shrank after treatment; however, 3 tumors recurred, 1 at 3 months and 2 at 1 year after treatment. Clinical Implications - Photocoagulation may be an effective means of treating limbal melanoma in dogs and cats.