Iris Hyperpigmentation in Cats: Progression, Globe Retention and Long-Term Survival.

Enucleation may not improve survival in cats with iris hyperpigmentation.

This retrospective study evaluated progression, globe retention, and long-term survival in 92 cats with iris hyperpigmentation, with follow-up survey data collected from 36 cats over a median of 3.4 years. Twenty cats underwent enucleation with histopathological confirmation of feline diffuse iris melanoma (FDIM). Among surveyed cats, 61% were eventually enucleated. Importantly, no significant difference in survival rates was observed between enucleated cats (73%) and non-enucleated cats (64%). Among cats that died, mean survival time was similar regardless of enucleation status (3.1 years enucleated vs. 4.4 years non-enucleated). In non-enucleated cats with documented progression, iris pigmentation increased slowly; affected cats had a median age of 14 years at death with 2-year survival following initial presentation. Contralateral eyes remained unaffected in all cases. These findings suggest that early enucleation may not confer a survival advantage in cats with iris hyperpigmentation, supporting a more conservative management approach in selected cases.

This summary was distilled by AI and may occasionally misinterpret data. Confirm critical details with the primary literature before clinical application.