Iris Melanoma / Glaucoma

Question:

My 10 yr old male cat (Milo) has recently been diagnosed with secondary glaucoma and it is thought to be the result of iris melanoma.  The initial pressure in his eye was 69, but has come down to the 36-39 range after using the medication Cosopt. During a recent visit, intraocular hemorrhage was noted.  The ophthalmologist has recommended enucleation due to the continuous high pressure and to prevent the possible spread of the possible melanoma. My concern with surgery in addition to his age is the fact that he has a heart murmur.  I do not know the degree of his cardiac condition or if the cancer has by chance spread already. 

I'm sure vision is permanently gone, his eye remains black, and has recently showed signes of edema.  We have started him on Neopolydex again for the inflamation.  Another recent concern was the possibility of an ulcer due to some watering of the eye.  My vet stained his eye and did not detect an ulcer. Milo also has a history of struvite crystals, which recently has caused him some trouble. Cosequin was prescribed and has seemed to help. 

Have you had experience with this type of condition?  I am hoping to come up with an alternative to enucleation due to Milo's age, his cardiac condition, and due to the fact that he seems comfortable most days.  Do you have any suggestions for products that I should use?  If so, do we know their success rate?  It would be so wonderful to get Milo's pressure down further by natural means. Also, I would like to make sure I am giving Milo what he needs so his body will be able to fight cancer if he indeed has melanoma.
Michelle P.

Answer:

Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. Milo does have some complex issues. It’s good that his ocular pressure has gone down but with the melanoma will most likely not return to normal. I agree with the ophthalmologist that the eye should be removed. Since he has already lost vision, this procedure would be to decrease pain, minimize the spread of the melanoma and any further complications in the eye.  I highly recommend having a cardiology workup to evaluate his cardiac status. It should give you a more definitive answer to make a decision with the eye.

Support for the healthy eye and his heart is important. I recommend Ocu-Clear for vision protection and Heart and Circulation tonic for his cardiac condition. A critical issue for Milo’s health is his diet. I also recommend changing his diet to a high protein, moderate fat and low carbohydrate. This will help to keep him in good body condition and the low carbohydrate diet reduces the energy source for cancer cells. Immugen and PetAlive C-Caps are excellent formulas with antitumor herbs and nutrients that inhibit the growth of tumors.  Best of luck.
Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA