Dog Uveitis Melanoma

by George Jones
(Perth, Australia)

We have a 4-1/2 year old spaniel who has just had his right eye removed due to a Canine Uveitis Melanoma. He appears to be ok with the exception that he has now developed a habit of growling at people and sleeps alot. He still likes to play but rubs both sides of his face alot as if it is causing some irritation or pain.

As we are traveling around Australia and are now in Perth which is 1000kts away from where he was operated on I was wondering if this is a result of having his eye removed and he has not yet adjusted to only having one eye or is there a posibility that there is an underlying problem.

Any advice would be very much appreciated

Regards

George Jones

Editor Suggestion -Dog Uveitis Melanoma

Dear George,

Thank you for submitting your question.

Uveal Melanoma in dogs has different forms, involving different features of the uvea of the eye.

It can be benign or malignant (cancerous) in nature, and if surgical removal of the dog eye is required, complete medical procedures are required in order to make sure that the treatment takes into account the severity, form and nature of the tumor.

Dogs diagnosed with a benign canine uveal melanoma usually have a good prognosis, but in cases where the tumor is potentially malignant in nature, to detect if the cancer has spread, monitoring is required every 3 – 6 months. These monitoring procedures are usually performed to make sure that the condition is not spreading to surrounding lymph nodes, lungs, chest and the brain.

In cases where a surgically treated dog shows unusual signs like inflammation, glaucoma, pressure over the orbital area, nervousness etc, it should be referred to a veterinary oncologist for detailed examination and monitoring.

Here, it seems that surgical treatment was not as successful as would be hoped, (which is common in dogs with malignant canine uveal melanomas). Signs such as growling, excessive sleep and possible pain in the eye orbital area represents that the dog eye tumor is spreading to other parts of body, including the brain. You should consult a nearby veterinary oncologist for a detailed examination and screening.

Along with what the oncologist prescribes, you can treat symptoms and keep your poor dog comfortable.

Here, we’ll recommend some natural remedies, which will surely help to reduce the chance of secondary problems such as nervousness and declining energy levels, and additionally remedies will minimize the chance of any toxicity caused by cancer spreading to other parts of body. Suggested remedies include:

* C-Caps: Promotes healthy cells, appetite and energy levels.
* Energy Tonic: Helps promote the feeling of well being in dogs as well as supports energy levels.
* EaseSure; Helps to soothe the brain and nervous system.
* Eye Heal: Supports eye health and helps to soothe the eyes.

George, best of luck to you and your dog. Please keep us up to date on any future canine uveal melanoma related checkups.