What should you know about feline eye melanoma?

Melanoma may develop in structures such as the iris, uvea or tissues around the eye. A visible dark area, a change in pupil shape or colour, cloudiness, redness, squinting, tearing, or a gradually enlarged eye can prompt an examination. These signs can also have non-cancerous causes, so appearance alone cannot establish the diagnosis.

A veterinarian may inspect the eye closely, check vision and eye pressure, and assess nearby tissues. Further imaging or a tissue sample may be discussed when the findings are uncertain. The assessment also considers whether disease is confined to the eye or could involve other areas.

Arrange a prompt veterinary appointment if you notice a new or changing mark, discomfort, altered vision or a difference between the eyes. Bring a note of when the change began and whether appetite, activity or behaviour has shifted. Do not apply human eye medicines unless a veterinarian specifically advises it.

Treatment depends on the tumour’s position, size, eye function and the cat’s overall health. Options may include close monitoring in selected cases, surgery, or focused radiation. Ask whether brachytherapy or radiotherapy is suitable, what each approach aims to control, and how vision and comfort may be affected.

Seek same-day veterinary care for sudden vision loss, marked squinting, severe redness, a rapidly swollen eye, bleeding, obvious pain, or a cat that stops eating or becomes unusually withdrawn. An eye problem can threaten comfort or vision even when cancer has not been confirmed.

Ask: Where is the lesion located? Is testing needed to identify it? Is the eye comfortable and is vision likely to be preserved? Could imaging check other sites? What treatment choices are available, and what changes should trigger an urgent call?