Management of canine corneal squamous cell carcinoma with lamellar keratectomy and strontium 90 plesiotherapy: 3 cases

Abstract

Purpose: To report three cases of canine corneal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) treated with strontium 90 beta radiation as an adjunct to surgical excision.

Methods: Corneal SCC was excised with lamellar keratectomy. This was followed by local application of strontium 90 beta radiation.

Results: Available case follow-up times range from 3 to 50 months. One case suffered a recurrence 5 months following initial excision and strontium 90 treatment.

Conclusion and discussion: Strontium 90 beta radiation has been used extensively as an adjunctive treatment for equine corneal SCC and in other canine ocular tumors; however, there is a paucity of information regarding use in canine corneal SCC. The cases presented here suggest its use following keratectomy may be helpful in preventing disease recurrence. At the dosage used, severe adverse effects were not observed.

Keywords: beta radiation; canine; cornea; keratectomy; squamous cell carcinoma.