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Round Spots That Move in a Beagle's Eyes

Reader Question
My 8-year-old Beagle has several perfectly round spots on the iris of one eye. Our vet checked them a year ago, noticed they moved when he changed position, and wasn't worried. This year there are spots in both eyes, still round and moving, and she said it could be melanoma and to have his eyes checked by a specialist as soon as possible. He has no pain or vision problems, and there are no spots on the white of the eye. Pictures of iris cysts online look exactly like what he has. We see the eye specialist on Monday.


Answer from Our Team

What you describe, perfectly round dark spots that move with your dog's position, does sound a lot like uveal cysts. These are small, dark, fluid-filled balls that can float inside the eye. Unlike tumors, they're round and smooth, and light passes through them. They're common and usually harmless.

The specialist can confirm it, usually by shining a bright light through the spots or with an ultrasound, which shows the difference between a fluid-filled cyst and a solid tumor. In most dogs, cysts need no treatment, only rechecks. In a few breeds, such as Golden Retrievers and Great Danes, cysts can be linked to glaucoma, so your specialist may also check his eye pressure.

Even if it did turn out to be melanoma, about 80% of the dark tumors inside dogs' eyes are benign and rarely spread. We hope the visit brings good news.

See dark spots and cysts in the eye.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.

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