What is uveal melanoma?

Uveal melanoma is a tumour arising from the uveal tract inside the eye, causing colour changes, cloudiness, and vision loss. Diagnosis requires an ophthalmic examination and histopathology — consult your vet for a proper evaluation.

What are the common treatment options?

Treatment options include local surgery, enucleation (removal of the eye), or radiation therapy. The right choice depends on the extent of the tumour and the dog's overall health — discuss the most appropriate approach with your vet.

Can this tumour spread to other parts of the body?

Uveal melanoma carries a risk of metastasis; whether it spreads depends on the tumour's characteristics. Imaging and blood tests are usually needed for monitoring — follow your vet's recommendations for follow-up care.

What should I bring when taking my dog to the vet?

Bring close-up photos and video clips of the eye, a note of when symptoms started, a list of current medications, and any past examination reports. This information helps the vet assess the situation quickly and plan the necessary tests.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Canine Uveal Melanoma in Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment [2025]

Uveal melanoma in dogs is often benign and can be monitored; laser treatment or enucleation surgery is considered if the condition progresses

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/06

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: ACVO, AVMA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek Emergency Care Immediately

•Loss of consciousness or sudden collapse
•Severe eye pain, persistent squinting, or inability to open the eye
•Heavy eye bleeding or visible rupture of the eyeball

Schedule a Clinic Visit Soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Eye appears cloudy or has changed color
•Redness or swelling in one eye, with increased tearing or discharge
•Declining vision — bumping into furniture or obstacles while walking

01What symptoms indicate something is wrong?

Uveal melanoma often causes changes in eye appearance and vision, and may also affect energy and activity levels. Early signs are typically limited to one eye; advanced stages may involve systemic or acute deterioration.

Eye appears cloudy or has changed colour
Redness, swelling, tearing, or increased discharge in one eye
Reduced vision — bumping into furniture or getting lost in familiar places
Visible bulging or distortion of the eyeball
Decreased energy or less alert than usual
Weight loss or changes in water intake or appetite

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Collapse or brief loss of consciousness
⚠️ Severe eye pain, persistent squinting, or inability to open the eye
⚠️ Heavy bleeding from the eye or visible rupture of the eyeball

02How do I assess the situation at home? Key observations and emergency criteria

Keeping a record of observations at home helps the vet quickly understand the timeline and make decisions. Consistent documentation is more useful than a single description.

Note the date and time you first noticed the eye abnormality
Take daily close-up photos and short video clips of the eye and any vision-related behaviour
Observe and record your dog's alertness, activity level, and gait
Note any changes in appetite, water intake, or bathroom habits
Weigh your dog regularly and track any trends
If collapse or sudden deterioration occurs, go to the vet immediately or call ahead

03How will the vet diagnose this? Common tests and procedures

At the clinic the vet will focus on a full ophthalmic examination and arrange imaging or laboratory tests as needed to assess intraocular changes and overall health.

Complete ophthalmic examination including slit-lamp biomicroscopy and funduscopy

Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement to assess for concurrent glaucoma

Fundus examination to evaluate the extent of intraocular lesions

Advanced imaging

ocular ultrasound, CT, or MRI (as indicated)

Blood and biochemistry panel to assess overall health and metastasis risk

Urinalysis to help evaluate kidney function and rule out infection

Tissue biopsy or fine-needle aspirate for histopathology if indicated

04What treatment and aftercare are needed? Medication, diet, and home care guide

Treatment options depend on the extent of the tumour and the dog's overall condition. Both surgical and non-surgical approaches require long-term monitoring; regular check-ups allow early detection of recurrence or metastasis.

Discuss local or surgical treatment options based on clinical findings
Regular intraocular pressure checks and imaging follow-ups after treatment
Administer medications as prescribed and track response and any side effects
Adjust diet and home environment to reduce stress and injury risk
Attend scheduled re-examinations to assess prognosis and adjust the care plan
If radiation therapy or specialist referral is needed, arrange an ophthalmology or oncology consultation

05What should I prepare before the appointment? Key information to help the vet work quickly

Write down the timeline and a description of the first symptom you noticed

Bring recent close-up photos and video clips of the eye for the vet to compare

Prepare a log of appetite, water intake, and bathroom habits

List all current medications, supplements, and any known allergies

Bring past examination reports or imaging files if available

If the condition changes suddenly, call ahead or go straight to an emergency clinic

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.