Novel Combined Approach for Vision‐Preserving Iridociliary Tumour Excision in a Small‐Breed Dog: Contralateral Iris Excision With En‐Bloc Scleral Resection

ABSTRACT This case report presents the first application of a novel combined surgical approach incorporating contralateral iris excision with en‐bloc scleral resection for managing a recurrent iridociliary epithelial tumour in a small‐breed dog. A 7‐year‐old castrated male Chihuahua (3.2 kg) presented with a recurrent iridociliary tumour following initial biopsy. Vision‐preserving surgery was performed using an innovative combined contralateral and postero‐anterior approach with bipolar cautery for haemostasis. The technique involved initial precise excision of tumour‐bearing iris tissue through corneal paracentesis positioned opposite to the tumour location using miotic agents for accurate tumour margin assessment, followed by en‐bloc excision of the tumour with adjacent scleral tissue via a stepped scleral flap approach. En‐bloc tumour excision with intended 2–3 mm margins, including adjacent scleral tissue, was performed, though histopathology revealed incomplete excision at some borders. The tumour was confirmed as a highly pigmented iridociliary epithelial tumour with minimal scleral invasion. Postoperative complications included transient anterior uveitis and mild hyphema, both resolving within 4 weeks. At 3‐month follow‐up, the patient maintained functional vision despite developing incipient cataract and suspected partial retinal detachment. This novel combined contralateral approach with en‐bloc scleral resection represents the first successful vision‐sparing procedure specifically designed and reported in a small‐breed dog, offering a promising alternative to conventional approaches and addressing the surgical space limitations encountered in small‐breed patients.