[Cancer eye in cattle: 21 cases (1990-1996)]

Between 1990 and 1996, 21 cows suffering from cancer eye had been admitted to the Clinic for Food Animals and Horses, University of Bern. Case history and localization and dimension of the tumor at admission were evaluated. Treatment consisted of bulbus extirpation in 17 of 21 cows. In two cows, cryosurgery was performed, while two cows were slaughtered for economic reasons. Telephone follow-up inquiries were performed between 10 and 84 months after surgery. Mean survival time after surgery was 15 months. Recurrence of the tumor was evident in six cases within 2 to 14 months after surgery. We recommend bulbus extirpation in cows with cancer eye to extend productive life.