Uveal cysts in dogs: how to tell them from melanoma
8-year-old Boston Terrier whose owner has seen 'a little black ball' inside the eye. It is round, 3 mm, moves within the anterior chamber with head movements and the eye is not inflamed.
Which simple test confirms the suspicion of a uveal cyst?
chevron_right Show answer and explanation
A. Transilluminate with a focal light: the cyst lets light through and a solid mass does not
Correct. Uveal cysts have a thin wall and fluid content, so they transilluminate. Solid pigmented masses, such as melanoma, do not.
B. Fluorescein staining
Fluorescein assesses corneal epithelial integrity; it gives no information about intraocular structures.
C. Schirmer tear test
It measures tear production and does not help characterise a structure in the anterior chamber.
D. Fine-needle aspiration of the anterior chamber as the first test
It is invasive and carries risks (hyphaema, uveitis, lens damage). It is not indicated when a non-invasive test can answer the question.
lightbulb Key takeaway
Isolated uveal cysts are usually benign and need no treatment unless they obstruct the pupil or the angle. Important exception: in Golden Retrievers, multiple cysts can be associated with pigmentary uveitis and glaucoma and require monitoring.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.