Golden Retriever With Iris Melanoma and Secondary Glaucoma
by Wayne
(Marion, MA)
Reader Question
Our 7 year old Golden Retriever was diagnosed a week ago with Iris Melanoma/Secondary Glaucoma in his right eye by a veterinary ophthalmologist. He immediately recommended removing the eye and said he wouldn't know more until the eye was removed and a biopsy was completed. Before we spend the $1500 for surgery, would it be in our best interest to have him looked at further i.e. scan or x-rays to see if it's not already in his body in other areas? His other symptoms include panting more than normal as of late, lethargy and very needy (loving).
Answer from Our Team
Getting a second opinion or staging tests is reasonable. Ask the ophthalmologist about chest X-rays and an abdominal ultrasound before surgery. In dogs, many pigmented iris tumors are benign or slow to spread, but once they cause glaucoma the eye is usually painful, which is why removal is recommended.
Removing the eye relieves pain and lets the tumor be examined, which tells you its type. The panting and lethargy may be from eye pain, but mention them to your vet so other causes are checked.
See glaucoma in dogs for more.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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