Cytoreduction combined with cryosurgery for the treatment of eyelid neoplasms in dogs: Clinical outcomes and histopathological characterization.

Eyelid neoplasms are among the most common periocular conditions in dogs and can lead to significant ocular morbidity if left untreated. Although surgical excision with blepharoplasty remains the standard of care, cytoreduction combined with cryosurgery has emerged as a less invasive alternative that preserves eyelid integrity. This prospective study evaluated 30 dogs with eyelid masses treated by cytoreductive excision followed by two freeze-thaw cycles delivered via a contact CO₂ cryosurgical unit. Risk factors, tumor types, pre- and postoperative ophthalmic signs were assessed and graded according to severity. Preoperative and postoperative findings included ocular discharge, conjunctival hyperemia, and blepharospasm. Postoperative ophthalmic signs were transient, resolving within 72 h. Depigmentation changes (leukoderma and leukotrichia) resolved spontaneously within 30 days. Histopathological analysis identified melanoma (30%), squamous cell carcinoma (16.7%), and sebaceous adenoma (16.7%) as the most prevalent tumor types. Tumor recurrence was observed in only one case (3.3%), involving a melanoma. These results suggest that cytoreduction combined with cryosurgery is a safe, time-efficient, and effective option for canine eyelid neoplasms, particularly for small or superficial tumors where preserving eyelid structure is a priority.