Surgical removal of melanoma in the third eyelid in equine

Abstract

Melanoma is a malignant neoplasm of melanocytes which produce melanin, responsible for skin pigmentation, described in various animal species and in humans. In equines, this tumor type represents a large part of the mainly in fur animals; but there is no racial and sexual predilection, and age is considered an aggravating factor in malignancy. This condition mainly affects the tail, perineum, auricular and ocular regions and occasionally

develops in the genital organs; and the clinical course varies from invasion of organs to metastatic dissemination. It is characterized by firm, nodular, single or multiple lesions of varying infiltrative sizes and staining, and ulcerations may occur. The clinical signs demonstrated by the affected patients are variable, depending on the tumor location. In animals, the diagnosis of melanoma is related to an unfavorable prognosis, since, in general, the tumor is detected late, when there has been local infiltration or formation of metastases. The aim of this study is to report a case related to third eyelid melanoma in a 13 year - old male Purebred Lusitano (PSL) equine breed. The animal presented nodules of considerable size in the third eyelid of the right eye, of blackened color, being submitted to surgical procedure for the total removal of the same one. The animal was submitted to a post-surgical protocol with local antibiotic therapy in the form of eye drops (Ciprofloxacin 0.3mg or 2 drops), four times a day for ten days and also systemic (Benzylpenicillin G Procaine 4000UI/Kg/PV) intramuscularly once daily for five days. As an anti- inflammatory protocol, it was used topically, eye drops (Flurbiprofen Sodium 0.03mg or 2 drops), four times a day for ten days and intravenously (Fenilbutazone 4.0mg/Kg/PV), once a day during five days, responding satisfactorily to the treatment.