Conjunctival Hemangioma/Hemangiosarcoma
Disease Description and Clinical Picture
Tumors originating from vascular endothelium can be found on the bulbar conjunctiva or on the conjunctiva of the third eyelid. Hemangioma is benign in nature, while hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumor. Hemangioma and hemangiosarcoma are usually locally invasive, which can lead to the destruction of surrounding tissue. Metastases are rare. UV radiation is considered a significant factor in the development of these neoplasms. Dogs that are more frequently affected include boxers, Australian shepherds, Basset Hounds, and collies. Cats are very rarely affected.
 
Therapy
An accurate diagnosis is made through pathohistological analysis of the tumor. The treatment is surgical removal of the tumor along with cryotherapy. Newer therapy involves administering anti-VEGF drugs next to the neoplasm with or without combined surgical resection. Topical beta blockers (propranolol 1%) has been used successfully for treatment of hemangiomas in humans, but this approach has not been tested yet in veterinary patients.
 
Please contact our specialty veterinary ophthalmology hospital Animal Eye Consultants
of Iowa (animaleyeiowa@gmail.com) in USA or Oculus Veterinary Specialty Hospital
(oculusklinika@gmail.com) in Serbia, Europe to schedule an appointment so your pet
can be seen.