My dog's iris is spreading into the white of her eye. Is it serious?

Thank you for contacting PetCoach with your question about Ellie. The pigmentation can grow over time. I will put a link below to an article as to what this could be. If this is pigmentary keratitis, the underlying cause needs to be diagnosed so it can be treated correctly. Even if this was a melanoma, yes they are usually benign in dogs. In fact, 80% of them are benign. If it was melanoma, it could be destroyed with a laser since it's small. Have her see a veterinary ophthalmologist before getting too worried about it. Best of luck. https://www.northwestanimaleye.com/pigmentary-keratitis.pml

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I’m not surprised at the progression in Gracie’s eye- the cloudy spot is likely a clot from the blood. Based on location I’m guessing this was trauma (whacked her head playing or running, fighting with another dog, etc etc). However, it’s impossible to tell without an eye exam exactly which compartment of the eye that clot is in. My concern is that if it’s in the front chamber of the eye, it could signal uveitis- which in turn can hint at serious systemic disease (fungal infections, tick borne diseases, etc.). Long story short, I’d have the vet check it out to make sure it’s not something we should be more worried about. Best of luck to you and Gracie!

My last visit to my dog's ophthalmologist was quite a bit less than surgery would be to remove his eye, so before making any rash decisions, I would find out the cost of seeing the ophthalmologist. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to determine if a mass in the anterior chamber is an iris cyst (which is benign) or a melanoma, but one trick is that an iris cyst may move in the eye. So if Tia is on her back, does the mass move? If so, be sure to give your doctor that information. I wish I had a simple answer for you, but I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I recommend to have Cassie examined by the veterinarian. It's possible this is a benign iris cyst BUT it could also be melanoma or some other type of cancer. Once the doctor can determine where the black blob is found within the eye, this will give a better idea of what it could be. Cassie may also need a referral to a specialist. I hope this helps.

There are a couple of possibilities here for the changes to Creo's iris. One is iris atrophy, which is a normal aging change. This can often result in pigment change and a "moth-eaten" appearance to the iris or an irregular iris border. Another would be a uveal cyst, which is a darkly pigmented circular lesion that can be attached to the iris. Both of these are generally benign. If you notice any changes in Creo's vision, changes to the eye, or signs of pain (squinting, redness, swelling, etc.), have him re-evaluated by your vet just to be safe.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Both eyes look quite painful! It appears that there is a severe corneal ulcer on the left eye but hard to say for sure for the right eye. The ulcer appears to be a melting ulcer, which is quite severe. These eyes need the care of an eye specialist and further treatment. Many times, drops alone won't be enough to treat the eye. I would consult with a veterinary ophthalmologist so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The cornea in the left eye looks very abnormal. I suspect this a corneal ulcer but it is hard to be sure without full clinical examination. The right eye does not look as bad but there is also abnormal looking cornea. Please, take Rey to your local vets taking all the necessary precautions against Covid-19. She should be seen by a vet right away.