Oculodermal melanocytosis (Nevus of Ota) in a Great Dane with concurrent ocular abnormalities: a case report.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Oculodermal melanocytosis (ODM) is an uncommon congenital melanocytic disorder infrequently reported in dogs. It is characterized by dermal and ocular hyperpigmentation involving neural crest-derived tissues and may predispose affected dogs to secondary ocular complications such as glaucoma or, in exceptional cases, malignant transformation. CASE PRESENTATION: A 4-year-old neutered male Great Dane was presented with unilateral facial and ocular hyperpigmentation. Ophthalmic examination revealed marked pigmentation and thickening of the right iris, perilimbal and peripheral corneal pigmentation, and diffuse uveal involvement. Bilateral uveal cysts were identified. Intraocular pressure was within reference intervals but asymmetric between eyes. Fundus examination demonstrated focal tapetal hyperreflectivity and vascular attenuation in the right eye, and electroretinography confirmed reduced retinal function. Six months later, secondary glaucoma developed, necessitating enucleation. Histopathology revealed diffuse infiltration of heavily pigmented cells without cytologic atypia or mitotic activity within the sclera, uveal tract, perioptic connective tissue, and cornea. Marked goniodysgenesis was also identified, providing a structural basis for impaired aqueous outflow. CONCLUSION: This case expands the clinicopathologic characterization of canine oculodermal melanocytosis by documenting concurrent breed-associated uveal cysts and histologically confirmed goniodysgenesis in addition to retinal dysfunction and secondary glaucoma. The findings highlight the multifactorial nature of ocular disease in affected dog and emphasize that pigmentary disorders may coexist with independent structural abnormalities influencing intraocular pressure and retinal function. Comprehensive and repeated evaluation of both anterior and posterior segment structures is therefore essential when managing complex unilateral ocular pigmentation.