Photocoagulation of limbal melanoma in dogs and cats: 15 cases (1989-1993).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate immediate clinical effects and long-term results of neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser treatment of limbal melanoma in dogs and cats.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Photocoagulation may be an effective means of treating limbal melanoma in dogs and cats.
Sullivan
T C
TC
Department of Companion Animals and Special Species Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27606, USA.
Nasisse
M P
MP
Davidson
M G
MG
Glover
T L
TL
D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D002415:Cats; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005134:Eye Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000662:veterinary*; D016850:Limbus Corneae; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies