Hemangiosarcoma of the third eyelid in a cat

A case of hemangiosarcoma of the third eyelid in a 15-year-old Domestic Short-haired cat is reported. A small red mass protruding from the anterior surface of the third eyelid in the left eye was present. Only mild bilateral conjunctivitis and nuclear sclerosis were revealed on initial ophthalmic examination. After anti-inflammatory treatment, surgery and cryotherapy were performed. On histopathologic examination the mass was located just beneath the conjunctival epithelium, suggesting that the conjunctiva was the tissue of origin. The tumor showed high cellularity and was composed of pleomorphic spindle and polygonal cells arranged in interlacing bundles and solid sheets. The presence of slit-like spaces between tumor cells containing erythrocytes demonstrated the vascular differentiation. Mitotic activity was moderate, but atypical mitoses were detected. The surgical area healed uneventfully and after 7 months there was no recurrence. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of conjunctival hemangiosarcoma of the third eyelid in a cat.     

Hemangiosarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma in the third eyelid of a horse

A 12-year-old Belgian draft horse presented for a right eye third eyelid mass and red-tinged ocular discharge of 3 months' duration. The third eyelid was excised and submitted for histopathology. On histopathologic examination, the mass was composed of both hemangiosarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The horse developed thickened eyelids and hemorrhagic ocular discharge from the right eye approximately 16 months following surgery, and was euthanized. Necropsy and histopathology confirmed local recurrence and regional metastasis of the hemangiosarcoma. This was an unusual case because there were two distinct neoplastic processes composing the same mass that could not be differentiated grossly.     

Extramedullary plasmacytoma of the third eyelid gland in a dog

A case of extramedullary plasmacytoma of the third eyelid gland in a 7-year-old American Cocker Spaniel is reported. An enlargement of the third eyelid gland, abundant mucopurulent discharge, mild hyperemia and corneal pigmentation in the OD was present. Excisional biopsy of the mass revealed the gland was infiltrated and partially destroyed by a uniform population of neoplastic plasma cells. The neoplastic cells were positive for CD138, Ki-67 and λ light chain. CD20, CD3, κ light chain and cytokeratin were negative. Twelve months following surgery, no recurrence was observed. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first extramedullary plasmacytoma of the third eyelid gland reported in dogs.     

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of the third eyelid conjunctiva in a dog

A 4-year-old, neutered female Cocker Spaniel was presented to the veterinary clinic for protrusion of the left third eyelid. When the third eyelids from both eyes were everted, lobulated masses were present on the bulbar surface. The left third eyelid had a larger protrusion. There was no apparent associated ocular or systemic involvement. The tumor of left third eyelid was removed and referred for histological examination. Histologically, there were proliferations of lymphoid follicles surrounded by lymphoid cells forming a marginal zone. Those lymphoid cells occasionally infiltrated into conjunctival epithelium. A few apoptotic bodies with karyopyknotic and karyorrhexic nuclei were observed in the germinal center of lymphoid follicles. Mitotic figures were rare. On immunohistochemistry, tumor cells expressed CD79a but not CD3. A diagnosis of extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) of the third eyelid was established based on the histological and immunophenotypical features. At the 1-year follow-up, there was no evidence of recurrence of the mass at the area of excision of the left third eyelid and the remaining tumor of the right third eyelid was still a similar size. The dog still showed no significant findings, except those of the tumor, and no evidence of systemic involvement. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of MALT lymphoma of the third eyelid in a dog.     

Leiomyoma of the third eyelid in a dog

A 14‐year‐old neutered male Dachshund presented for the evaluation of oculus dexter (OD) third eyelid elevation ongoing for approximately 2 months. Complete ophthalmic examination revealed a large, nonpainful, well‐demarcated, soft mass at the base of the right third eyelid causing elevation and mild hyperemia. The mass was freely moveable with the third eyelid, and no right globe deviation was noted. No other abnormalities were noted on physical examination, routine blood chemistry, complete blood count, serum T4, urinalysis, or urine cortisol/creatinine ratio. Ocular B‐mode ultrasonography showed an anechoic, well‐demarcated, homogenous, soft tissue mass at the base of the third eyelid with no orbital extension. A leiomyoma was diagnosed after multiple punch biopsies were obtained from the palpebral surface of the mass. The right third eyelid was excised surgically. Histopathology confirmed a completely excised, nodular, unencapsulated, expansile mass within the third eyelid. Positive smooth muscle actin and negative S‐100 immunohistochemistry confirmed a leiomyoma. Bundles of normal smooth muscle were also present adjacent to the mass. The mass was compressing the adjacent lacrimal gland and associated with moderate dacryoadenitis. Twelve months postoperatively, the right globe position and motility remain normal with no evidence of mass regrowth. To the author's knowledge, this is the first reported case of a leiomyoma of the third eyelid in any species. In this case, the mass was completely excised and no regrowth has occurred twelve months after surgery. This case along with independently reviewed canine third eyelids clearly demonstrates the presence of smooth muscle within the canine third eyelid.     

Mast cell tumour in the third eyelid of a mare

A 4‐year‐old Missouri Fox Trotter mare was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Koret School of Veterinary Medicine with a reddish mass protruding from the third eyelid and adjacent palpebral conjunctiva of the left eye. On ophthalmic examination, the mare showed mild blepharospasm, mild mucopurulent discharge and mild corneal oedema in the left eye. Menace response, pupillary light reflexes and intraocular examination were normal. A rounded, fleshy red ulcerated mass, approximately 3 cm in diameter, expanded the edge of the outer surface of the medial third eyelid and conjunctiva of the ventromedial palpebral region. Physical examination was otherwise unremarkable. Based on history and clinical findings, surgical removal was elected. The tumour was excised and the conjunctiva in the area of tumour treated with cryotherapy. Histological evaluation revealed a mast cell tumour on the third eyelid. Nine months follow‐up revealed no recurrence.     

Primary lacrimal gland adenocarcinoma of the third eyelid in a horse

A 5-year-old Draft Horse gelding presented for evaluation of a large, fleshy, ulcerated third eyelid mass OD of 3 weeks duration. Complete ophthalmic examination, ocular ultrasound and skull radiographs revealed a large soft-tissue mass involving the entire third eyelid OD and extending into the ventral right orbit to the level of the globe equator. No other abnormalities were noted on physical or ophthalmic examination. Surgical removal via exenteration was performed 3 months after initial presentation. A lacrimal adenocarcinoma of the third eyelid was diagnosed based on histopathology. Concurrent asymptomatic intra-ductal and intra-acinar Demodex caballi parasites were found in the eyelid sebaceous glands, likely as an incidental finding. No tumor recurrence or metastasis has occurred 12 months after excision. To the author's knowledge, this case is the first reported primary lacrimal adenocarcinoma in a horse. Complete surgical excision was curative.     

Bilateral third eyelid ectopic cilia in an adult horse

A 15‐year‐old Cob mare presented with a 4‐month history of chronic epiphora and intermittent blepharospasm in the right eye. On ophthalmic examination, two translucent aberrant hairs were identified at the third eyelid margin corresponding to an area of corneal fibrosis and neovascularization. Partial excision of the third eyelid was performed, and histopathology confirmed ectopic hair follicles. Two weeks later, clinical signs recurred in the same eye. Examination revealed another pair of aberrant hairs on the bulbar surface of the third eyelid near its leading edge. This portion of the third eyelid was also excised, and histopathology confirmed two additional ectopic hair follicles. Eight months later, the horse developed similar clinical signs in the left eye. Ophthalmic examination showed a single aberrant translucent hair at the third eyelid margin associated with focal fibrosis and neovascularization of the ventromedial cornea. Partial excision of the third eyelid was performed, and histopathology confirmed an ectopic hair follicle within the third eyelid conjunctiva. Excision was curative at 4 years postoperatively with no further recurrence in either eye.     

Normal anatomical and histochemical characteristics of the lacrimal glands in the American bison and cattle

Dorsal lacrimal glands, superior glands of the third eyelid and Harderian glands (deep gland of the third eyelid) from 19 bison and 18 cattle free of apparent ocular disease were examined to compare the normal anatomical properties of these glands. All glands were characterized and measured (length and width). The gross anatomy of the dorsal lacrimal glands was similar, with the exception of a bipartite gland in cattle. The bison's superior gland of the third eyelid and Harderian gland was longer as compared with cattle. A subset of the bison and cattle samples (five bison and five cattle) was sectioned for histological and histochemical analysis. The histology of the dorsal lacrimal and superior gland of the third eyelid revealed tubuloalveolar cells with basophilic vacuolated cytoplasm in bison and eosinophilic granular cytoplasm in cattle. The Harderian glands consisted of a tubuloalveolar anterior part combined with large lumens acini lined with cuboidal epithelium in the posterior part; the posterior part of the bison Harderian gland was more predominant than in cattle samples. Mucosubstance histochemistry revealed acidic and neutral glycoproteins with similar staining patterns in all glands of both species.     

Parosteal osteosarcoma of the mandible in a dog

A mandibular parosteal osteosarcoma was diagnosed in a 7-year-old Collie with prolapse of the third eyelid. Diagnosis was made by histologic evaluation of a mass removed by surgical excision. The dog was euthanatized because of local recurrence of the tumor, with metastasis to the lungs. Parosteal osteosarcomas are rarely reported in dogs and usually involve long bones in human beings.     

Subcutaneous hemangiosarcoma induced by a foreign body (steel staple) in a cat

An 8-year-old, female domestic shorthair cat was presented with a ventral abdominal subcutaneous mass. A radiograph showed that the center of the mass contained what appeared to be steel sutures, presumed to be from an ovariohysterectomy performed 7 years earlier. The excised mass was irregular and contained numerous pockets filled with friable necrotic material and hemorrhages that were dissected by fibrous connective tissue bands. Multiple tangled and fragmented pieces of steel staples were deeply embedded within the mass. Histologically, the mass was non-encapsulated, densely cellular, and infiltrative. Neoplastic cells lined caverns and channels and were factor VIII-positive by immunohistochemistry. The neoplastic cells were oval to round with granular cytoplasm and vesicular nucleus and exhibited moderate cellular and nuclear pleomorphism. A diagnosis of subcutaneous hemangiosarcoma was made. To our knowledge, this is the first report of foreign body associated hemangiosarcoma and the first case of steel staple associated neoplasm in domestic animals.     

The conjunctival crypt of the equine third eyelid

The purpose of this study is to characterise the gross anatomy of a relatively large, cryptic structure within the bulbar conjunctival surface of the equine third eyelid that has commonly been observed by the authors during equine ophthalmic examinations. In this study, cadaveric eyes and adnexa were obtained from 13 Quarter Horses without history of ocular disease. The gross anatomy of the bulbar surface of the third eyelid was characterised by digital macrophotography and with an image capture system using an operating microscope. A well-defined cryptic structure was readily identified in the majority of eyes (17/26). The location of the crypt varied but was most commonly observed within the central aspect of the bulbar surface of the third eyelid, often in close proximity to prominent blood vessels oriented perpendicular to the leading edge of the third eyelid. A patch of lymphoid follicles was often observed surrounding the crypt. The rectangular shape and upward facing orientation of the crypt was akin to a shirt's breast pocket. Width and depth were variable but ranged between 1 and 8 mm in either dimension. Some crypts were complex, with multiple channels observed within the primary opening. In conclusion, this study confirms the presence of a well-organised mucosal crypt within the bulbar surface of the equine third eyelid capable of harbouring foreign material and ocular irritants. Additional anatomical characterisation of the macro-crypt by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy is underway. Evaluation of this structure by equine practitioners and veterinary ophthalmologists should be performed during the routine ophthalmic examination to better understand its role in ocular disease.     

Malignant melanoma of the third eyelid in a horse

An 8‐year‐old grey Quarter Horse gelding was referred for evaluation of a rapidly growing mass associated with the third eyelid of the left eye. A pigmented mass of approximately 2 cm in diameter was palpated and visualised associated with the conjunctival lining of the nictitans. It was not possible to palpate normal nictitans deep to the base of the mass. A full dermatological examination revealed no other melanomas in common sites. Based on the size and rapid growth of the mass, surgical excision and one application of local chemotherapy was performed under general anaesthesia. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of malignant melanoma and the presence of clean surgical margins. There was no recurrence at 5 weeks post surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a primary malignant melanoma of the third eyelid in a horse.     

Use of pericardial patch graft reconstruction of the right atrium for treatment of hemangiosarcoma in a dog

Atrial mass resection is possible in a limited number of dogs with hemangiosarcoma in which only the right atrial appendage or atrial free wall is involved, A pericardial patch graft can be used to reconstruct the right atrium after resection of large atrial tumors. Tumor-free margins can be obtained by use of this technique.     

A retrospective study of visceral and nonvisceral hemangiosarcoma and hemangiomas in domestic animals.

Cases of hemangiosarcoma submitted to the Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory during a 6-year period were reviewed. Visceral hemangiosarcomas represent less than 2% of canine specimens submitted for histologic examination and nonvisceral hemangiosarcoma less than 1%. Most nonvisceral hemangiosarcomas of dogs occur in skin. Hemangiosarcomas are less common in cats and usually occur in skin. They are also rare in other animal species. Animals with nonvisceral hemangiosarcomas are usually mature; dogs and cats average 10 years of age. The tumors develop in many different locations, and there is no sex predilection. A wide variety of dog breeds are affected, but Italian greyhounds, greyhounds, and whippets are overrepresented. Clinical outcomes of 76 cases of nonvisceral hemangiosarcomas in dogs and cats were obtained from submitting veterinarians. Completeness of excision of a tumor is the most important factor that can be used in predicting clinical outcome for an affected dog or cat. In all cases in which the animals were clinically normal for at least 1 year after surgical removal of a nonvisceral hemangiosarcoma, the margins were reported to be free of neoplastic cells. Degree of differentiation, mitotic rate, size of tumor, and presence or absence of epidermal ulceration, mast cells, or solar elastosis did not correlate with clinical outcome.     

Primary hemangiosarcoma of the iliopsoas muscle eliciting a peripheral neuropathy

An eight-year-old, male castrated bullmastiff presented to the Kansas State University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital with left hind-limb paralysis. A mass was identified in the left paralumbar soft tissue adjacent to the fourth (L4) to sixth (L6) lumbar vertebrae by magnetic resonance imaging. The iliopsoas muscle contained the mass which was identified as a hemangiosarcoma on histopathological examination. Hemangiosarcoma is rarely reported as a primary tumor arising from muscle vascular endothelium.     

Cutaneous haemangiosarcoma of the lower eyelid in an elderly white cat

A case of cutaneous haemangiosarcoma of the left lower eyelid in a 15-year-old white domestic shorthair cat is reported. A protuberant red mass occupying one-third of the lower eyelid margin length was present. Intermittent haemorrhage occurred from the mass surface. Surgical biopsy had revealed a locally invasive tumour composed of numerous irregular blood-filled spaces lined by a single layer of plump endothelial cells and separated by thin fibrous septa. Mitotic activity was rare and the appearance was consistent with a low-grade haemangiosarcoma. The mass continued to enlarge and referral was sought. Due to financial constraints and the owner's wish for a single procedure, enucleation with an axial pattern flap based on the superficial temporal artery was undertaken. Histopathology of the excised tissue confirmed the presence of a well-differentiated haemangiosarcoma. Tumour-free excisional margins were confirmed, the surgical area healed uneventfully, and there has been no recurrence during the subsequent 16 months.     

Mast cell tumor invading the cornea in a horse

A 3‐year‐old Marwari mare was presented for evaluation of an irregular, reddish mass protruding from behind the right third eyelid. The mass appeared to arise at the ventral limbal area, involved the perilimbal bulbar conjunctiva and widely extended into corneal tissue. No other ocular or systemic abnormalities were detected at the time of presentation. The mass was surgically removed by lamellar keratectomy, with defocused CO₂ laser used as adjunctive therapy to treat the surgical exposed area and its surroundings. Histopathologic evaluation showed sheets of densely packed, well‐differentiated neoplastic mast cells separated by fibrovascular connective tissue. Nuclear staining for Ki‐67 was performed, and an average of 370 cells were positive per 1000 counted cells. Two months postoperatively, the surgical site was filled with flat fibrovascular and pigmented tissue, while the surrounding cornea was transparent with no superficial vascularization around the fibrotic scar. Thirty‐two months after treatment, no recurrence of the neoplasia was reported.