Conjunctival Hemangioma/Hemangiosarcoma

Tumors derived from vascular endothelium can occur on the bulbar conjunctiva or on the conjunctiva of the third eyelid. Hemangioma is benign, whereas hemangiosarcoma is malignant. Hemangiomas are well demarcated from surrounding tissue and generally do not represent a major problem for the dog. Hemangiosarcoma is locally invasive and can destroy surrounding tissue. Metastasis is uncommon. Ultraviolet radiation is considered an important risk factor for development of these neoplasms. Breeds described as more commonly affected include Boxers, Australian Shepherds, Basset Hounds, and Collies. Cats are affected very rarely.

Treatment

Definitive diagnosis is established by histopathologic examination of the tumor. Treatment consists of surgical removal combined with cryotherapy. The source also describes newer treatment involving administration of anti-VEGF medications adjacent to the neoplasm.

Hemangioma on the conjunctiva of a dog.

Hemangiosarcoma on the conjunctiva of a dog.

Conjunctival hemangiosarcoma. Conjunctival redness and swelling are visible, as is a cataract unrelated to the neoplastic lesion. The same dog as in the previous figure, photographed intraoperatively.

Conjunctival hemangioma that protrudes and therefore appears as though the mass originated from the eyelid skin.

Adapted from the Atlas of Ocular Diseases in Dogs and Cats by Dr. Siniša D. Grozdanić and colleagues. © Animal Eye Consultants of Iowa. The text and clinical images on this page are original content from the authors' own clinical practice and research, and may not be reproduced, distributed, or repurposed without permission.

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