Retinoblastoma is a cancerous tumor in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue on the innermost layer of the eye. The retinoblastoma gene, located on chromosome , is a tumor suppressor, meaning it prevents tumors by inhibiting excessive cell growth. When this gene is dysfunctional, cell growth goes unchecked, often resulting in retinoblastoma tumors in both dogs and humans.
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History
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Retinoblastoma was first documented in dogs in 1997 and appeared to be similar to human retinoblastoma, according to the Archives of Opthalmology. The case included Flexner-Wintersteiner rosettes, a spoke and wheel-shaped cell formation characteristic of the condition.
Symptoms
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Symptoms include pain, difficulty seeing, crossed eyes and changes in iris color. When photographed with a flash, retinoblastoma appears as a white glow in the eye, a condition called "white eye."
Causes
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According to researchers at the University of Virginia, retinoblastoma gene mutations are inherited but can also be caused by environmental carcinogens and by chance. Cases involving both eyes are almost always hereditary.
Treatment
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According to the "Journal of Veterinary Ophthalmology," treatment for retinoblastoma includes surgery to remove the tumor, enucleation (removal of part or all of the eye or eyes), chemotherapy, radiation therapy and cryotherapy (freezing therapy to destroy the tumor or tumors).
Prevention/Solution
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Retinoblastoma cannot be prevented in dogs that have inherited the disorder. Breeders will often be able to provide a medical history of retinoblastoma to prepare owners for the condition. Avoiding environmental carcinogens is a good preventative measure for dogs without the inherited mutation.
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