A conjunctival mast cell tumor in Golden Retriever: a case report

Abstract

A high-grade mast cell tumor of the conjunctiva in the Golden Retriever is a rare condition. Wide excisional conjunctival mass biopsy is suggested, combined with chemotherapy. A 9-year-old neutered female Golden Retriever with a painless conjunctival mass at the right temporal bulbar conjunctiva was presented at the Ophthalmology Clinic of the Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Chulalongkorn University. Complete physical and ophthalmic examinations were performed. The metastasis of the primary conjunctival mass was investigated by radiography of the skull, orbit, thorax, and abdomen, as well as by ultrasonography in the orbit and abdomen. No metastasis was confirmed by imaging diagnosis. A wide excisional conjunctival mass biopsy was performed under general anesthesia. The histopathological study was conducted by a veterinary pathologist, who reported a high-grade mast cell tumor. Chemotherapy was prescribed for the dog. However, the dog died three weeks after surgical treatment due to an unknown cause, with no recurrence of the conjunctival mass. This case presents the atypical nature of conjunctival mast cell tumors in Golden Retrievers, emphasizing the need for individualized and concerned clinical management to improve results in predisposed breeds.